Shōami-made Color-Decorated Kōgō (Incense Box) with Hagoita Design
Introducing a color-decorated Kōgō (incense box) made by Shōami.
A Kōgō is a lidded container used to hold incense, primarily in the tea ceremony. It is often placed on a tray during a charcoal preparation (sumidemae), set inside a charcoal container, or displayed on a piece of cloth or paper in the tokonoma (alcove).
Though small, a Kōgō is considered a decorative item, conveying many elements such as the season, the theme of the tea gathering, historical significance, its origin, and the material used.
For the charcoal preparation, ceramic Kōgōs are often used to hold kneaded incense (neriko), while for the hearth (furo), lacquer Kōgōs are commonly used to hold incense wood.
This particular Kōgō is designed in the shape of a hagoita (a traditional wooden paddle used in a New Year’s game) and features decorative feathers, making it ideal for the New Year. The color scheme is vibrant, with red and gold tones that evoke a celebratory New Year’s atmosphere.
The sides of the container are decorated with a Shippō (seven treasures) pattern, and the feathers are meticulously painted using five colors of Kōji (a type of colored porcelain), demonstrating considerable craftsmanship.
This Kōgō would make an elegant addition to a tokonoma or entranceway, bringing a distinctly Japanese touch to your New Year celebration.
