Vintage Japanese Tea Ceremony Ceramic Kogo Depicting Daruma | Ceramic Collectible Incense Container

Dimensions: 2-1/8”h x 2-0”dia

Kogo (jyu-koh-go) is a Buddhist tea accessory that refers to a small, lidded container for incense, historically prominent among the royal and noble families and continued to maintain its regal undertones retaining a sense of exclusivity and traditional charm. Kogo are available in different styles, symbols, motifs, and materials, and are used for different ceremonies in all four seasons. The Teishu, (host), of the Chanoyu or Ocha ceremony always considers the Shokyaku, (main guest), when selecting the supportive Kogo accessory to be used. In this case, Daruma is featured on the removable lid of this container. 

This beautifully detailed Kogo depicts a hooded cowled Daruma with his characteristic glazed face and form on the removable earthenware lid. This earthenware collectible shows multiple gray tones glazed luster finish with an unexpected green gloppy glaze drip at the top of the cowl and minimally runs down the back. His robe is deeply formed to emphasize the notable elements of the figure as well as a nicely detailed and recognizable face. 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. This kogo sits comfortably in the hands of the holder and presents a fine play of textures and neutral tones. The piece is unsigned.

Additional Information: 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. See https://mingeiarts.com/blogs/celebration-of-mingei-journey-through-japan/kogo-incense-containers-open-the-atmospheric-paths-of-creativity-socialization for further readings.

Vintage Condition: Excellent as originally made and retains the original craft/workmanship. There is no sign of discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear, or structural damage.