This Seto-yaki ceramic kōgō (incense container) is made in the shape of a Shachi or Shachihoko (鯱・鯱鉾), a mythical sea creature from Japanese folklore with the head of a lion and the body of a carp whose tail always points to the heavens.

The piece is glazed with transparent blues and greens, giving an aquatic appearance.

Made by Kawamura Kenzan (河村硯山), real name Kawamura Sekio (河村碩男). Born in 1938, Kawamura-san has won numerous awards for his works.

In Japanese tea ceremony, wooden and lacquer kōgō (香合) are used to hold kōboku (香木 - fragrant wood incense) during the furo (風炉 - brazier) season while ceramic kōgō are used to hold nerikō (練り香 - kneaded incense) during the ro (炉 - hearth) season.

Dimensions:

7.1cm (2.8in) - width
10.7cm (4.2in) - height

Condition: Excellent

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States