Japanese signed Ohi Kogo | Kougou Incense Container | Chozaemon X

Dimensions: 2-0” dia. x 1-3/8”h.

This incense container, (Kogo), used for the Japanese tea ceremony is in the traditional shape with a removable lid in the reddish-brown, amber glazed luster finish with signature on the bottom of the piece. This kogo sits comfortably in the hands of the holder and presents a fine play of textures and amber tones. It has a low foot-ring showing signature on the base of the foot-ring and is signed by Chozaemon X.          

As the creators of fine pottery, the Chozaemon family of potters has been associated with the world of the Japanese tea ceremony since the 17th century. The Chozaemon lineage started with Hodoan (1631-1712), apprentice to the fourth heir of the Raku family of potters. In 1666, he accompanied Senso Shoshitsu, (1622-1697), the fourth heir of the Urasenke School of Japanese tea ceremony, to the city of Kanazawa, the capital of the Maeda clan’s province, Kaga (current Ishikawa prefecture). In the village of Ohi, the first Chozaemon established a kiln that continues producing superior tea ceremony wares, and since the Meiji Restoration ceramics for everyday living, are also produced.                      

Vintage Condition: Excellent as originally made. “As is” and retains the original craft/workmanship. Any discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear, or structural damage noted. 

NOTE: Ohi ware is referred to as "Wakigama" (which is a general term for kilns used to make Raku ware that is outside of the Raku line), of the Kyoto Raku line. Ohi are made from fine quality earth and coated with a red-yellow glaze, commonly known as Ohi Amber glaze. Ohi ware is said to be the only current “Wakigama” with such lineage.

As for the tea ceremony, (Sumidemae), the Kogo is brought into the room together with other tea ceremony utensils, along with the Sumitori charcoal container. The incense from the Kogo is placed in the charcoal fire to emit a nice fragrance. Usually, there are about three pieces in the Kogo incense container but only two are placed in the fire, one near the fire and a second one more distant from the fire to start burning later and have a continuous fragrance in the Chashitsu.