Box (2) - Wood - Gourd & Acorn Kogo Set
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A pair of Japanese lacquer kōgō incense containers in gourd and acorn shapes, made of lacquered wood with makie and raden, each with its original signed tomobako; the gourd bears the Sōetsu signature and seal, the acorn the Shūsai signature and seal, with the larger piece measuring 9 cm wide by 4 cm deep and 2.5 cm high, combined weight 43 g, origin Japan, in good condition.
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Description from the seller
Item Description
This lot comprises a set of two Japanese lacquer kōgō (incense containers), each in a different form. Both bear signatures and seals, indicating they are artist-made works. Each comes with its original tomobako (signed wooden storage box).
The first kōgō is gourd (hyōtan) shaped, finished in a lustrous reddish-brown lacquer through which the wood grain is visible. The larger of the two lobes features a frog rendered in gold and green makie, with additional embellishment in raden (shell inlay). The tomobako bears the ink inscription "Kaeru Makie Hyō-gata Kōgō," along with the signature and seal of "Sōetsu."
The second kōgō is acorn (donguri) shaped, crafted from kurogaki (dark persimmon) wood. Against a deep-toned lacquer ground, the design features a squirrel and fukiyose (autumn leaves and seeds scattered by the wind) rendered in gold hira-makie. The tomobako bears the signature and seal of "Shūsai," along with the ink inscription "Kurogaki Donguri Kōgō · Fukiyose ni Risu."
Both kōgō are small utensils used in the tea ceremony to hold incense. The contrasting forms — the flowing curves of the gourd and the rounded silhouette of the acorn — together with their careful makie decoration and authentic tomobako, make this a compelling pair of artist-made works.
Dimensions
Height: 2.5 cm
Width: 9 cm
Depth: 4 cm
(Dimensions refer to the larger of the two pieces, the gourd-shaped kōgō.)
Weight
43 g (combined weight of both pieces)
Condition
Both pieces are in good condition consistent with age and use. The lacquer sheen and makie details are generally well preserved. Inspection has been conducted visually only; no notable damage or losses were observed at the time of photography, but please refer to the images for details.
Additional Information
Materials: Lacquered wood with makie and raden decoration
Origin: Japan
Signatures: The gourd-shaped kōgō bears the signature and seal of "Sōetsu" on the tomobako; the kurogaki acorn kōgō bears the signature and seal of "Shūsai" on the tomobako
Provenance: Each accompanied by its original signed tomobako
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Item Description
This lot comprises a set of two Japanese lacquer kōgō (incense containers), each in a different form. Both bear signatures and seals, indicating they are artist-made works. Each comes with its original tomobako (signed wooden storage box).
The first kōgō is gourd (hyōtan) shaped, finished in a lustrous reddish-brown lacquer through which the wood grain is visible. The larger of the two lobes features a frog rendered in gold and green makie, with additional embellishment in raden (shell inlay). The tomobako bears the ink inscription "Kaeru Makie Hyō-gata Kōgō," along with the signature and seal of "Sōetsu."
The second kōgō is acorn (donguri) shaped, crafted from kurogaki (dark persimmon) wood. Against a deep-toned lacquer ground, the design features a squirrel and fukiyose (autumn leaves and seeds scattered by the wind) rendered in gold hira-makie. The tomobako bears the signature and seal of "Shūsai," along with the ink inscription "Kurogaki Donguri Kōgō · Fukiyose ni Risu."
Both kōgō are small utensils used in the tea ceremony to hold incense. The contrasting forms — the flowing curves of the gourd and the rounded silhouette of the acorn — together with their careful makie decoration and authentic tomobako, make this a compelling pair of artist-made works.
Dimensions
Height: 2.5 cm
Width: 9 cm
Depth: 4 cm
(Dimensions refer to the larger of the two pieces, the gourd-shaped kōgō.)
Weight
43 g (combined weight of both pieces)
Condition
Both pieces are in good condition consistent with age and use. The lacquer sheen and makie details are generally well preserved. Inspection has been conducted visually only; no notable damage or losses were observed at the time of photography, but please refer to the images for details.
Additional Information
Materials: Lacquered wood with makie and raden decoration
Origin: Japan
Signatures: The gourd-shaped kōgō bears the signature and seal of "Sōetsu" on the tomobako; the kurogaki acorn kōgō bears the signature and seal of "Shūsai" on the tomobako
Provenance: Each accompanied by its original signed tomobako
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Gourd & Acorn Kogo Set
Number of objects
2
Country of origin
Japan
Material
Wood
Colour
Multicolour
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
2.5 cm
Width
9 cm
Depth
4 cm
Estimated period
1900-2000
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