Vintage Japanese Kutani Green Glazed Kogo with the Face of Daruma | Ceramic Collectible Incense Container

Dimensions: 1-3/4”h x 2-1/4”dia

Offered is a Japanese Kutani-ware ceramic Kogo made in the image of Dharma, (Bodhidharma) traditionally used in Japanese culture to symbolize one’s goals, actions, and outcomes. His has a wonderful modeled green overglaze polychrome enamel accenting the deep folds of his well-defined hooded cloak, (cowl). This Daruma has wonderfully executed and partially glazed and expressive facial details including his large definitive eyebrows, with wonderfully executed eyes, nose, expressive mouth, cheeks and  He shows detailed whiskers. The unglazed body portions are etched and fully detailed into the natural color clay making a nice contrasting accent. The interior of the piece has a lip that rungs the container in unfinished clay and has a low foot ring with the same chafing on the inside rim of the cover. The piece is marked/signed on the inside and bottom of the piece but unidentified.

Condition: Excellent condition for the piece is perfect, with no chipping, missing elements, or color loss. It retains a beautiful finish, with its original craftsmanship preserved. Museum-quality: meeting the standards of the Japanese folk art genre collector.

Additional Information: Daruma is modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. Daruma has a design that is rich in symbolism and is regarded more as a talisman of good luck to the Japanese. Daruma is a symbol of perseverance and good luck. As a tea ceremony (Sumidemae), accessory, this Kogo was typically brought into the room with other tea ceremony utensils and 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. See https://mingeiarts.com/blogs/celebration-of-mingei-journey-through-japan/kogo-incense-containers-open-the-atmospheric-paths-of-creativity-socialization for further readings.