Vintage Kogo Incense Case Container, Sakugoro, Ichii Wood, Japanese Yew, Wooden Kogo,
A Kogo is a small lidded container used to hold incense in the Japanese tea ceremony. It is used as part of the tea utensils for temae and may also be displayed in the tokonoma. Unlike a Koro, it is not used for burning incense. Many forms of Kogo were produced during the Edo period, and ranking lists known as Kogo Banzuke were compiled. (Reference: A Dictionary of Japanese Art Terms.)
This wooden Kogo was made from Ichii (Japanese yew) by Sakugoro in Gifu Prefecture.
Ichii Itto Bori is a woodworking technique from the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture.
The technique uses chisels to carve Japanese yew from Gifu Prefecture, bringing out the natural beauty of the wood grain without coloring.
There are traditional explanations for the origin of the name Ichii.
The highest rank scepters in the 12th rank, their crowns were made from Japanese yew trees.
So the tree name was taken from the first rank name “Ichii”.
Another theory connects the older name “Ichihi” with the reddish color of the wood.
It comes with its Tomobako (original signed paulownia box) and original cloth (no seal).
It belonged to our mother.
Measurement:
Kogo
Opening Diameter: 5.0cm / Approx. 1 31/32”
Width: 6.2cm / Approx. 2 7/16”
Height: 2.6cm / Approx. 1 1/32″
Weight: 17g
Box
Width: 7.7cm / 3 1/32”
Length: 7.7cm / 3 1/32”
Height: 4.4cm / 1 47/64”
Weight: 40g
Age: -2000s
Material: Japanese Yew (Ichii Wood)
Color: Amber, Cork, Burnt Umber, Tan
Condition: Excellent vintage condition consistent with age. (Unused)
* Tomobako (original signed paulownia box)
* Original cloth (no seal)
* No chips, splits, stains, or visible signs of use.
* The lid of the wooden box has a slight warp. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* Minor scratches on the wooden box. (Refer to No. 1 and No. 10 photos)
* Minor discoloration on the wooden box from long-term storage. (Refer to No. 1 and No. 10 photos)
* No noticeable incense scent.
If you have any questions about the condition or would like additional photos, please contact us before purchasing.
