Vintage Japanese Lacquered Kogo Incense Container with Bird and Grass Motif, Early Showa (1927-1945) | SKU: 26M-611-1

Vintage Japanese Lacquered Kogo Incense Container with Bird and Grass Motif, Early Showa (1927-1945) | SKU: 26M-611-1

A small domed incense container with a glossy black finish and delicate bird-and-grass decoration, sized for tea ceremony or display use.

This vintage Japanese kogo is a compact lidded incense container with a smooth, rounded form and deep black lacquered surface. The top is decorated with a refined bird-and-grass design in subdued tones, lending the piece a quiet seasonal elegance associated with traditional Japanese decorative arts. The container opens into two fitted parts, with a shallow base and matching domed lid, a form well suited to holding small amounts of kneaded incense or fragrant woods for tea practice and ceremonial presentation. Based on the supplied dating, it is cataloged to the Early Showa period. The finish is highly reflective, and the overall silhouette is simple, balanced, and tactile in the hand.

In a modern home, this piece works beautifully as a small accent object on a tea shelf, writing desk, or curated display cabinet. It can be appreciated as a collectible of Japanese tea culture, used to present incense in a chanoyu-inspired setting, or styled as a decorative lacquer object within Japandi, wabi-sabi, or minimalist interiors. Its compact scale also makes it an appealing gift for collectors of Japanese lacquerware and tea utensils.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Lacquered container; exact substrate unspecified
• Use: Kogo (incense container) for tea ceremony or decorative display
• Modern Use: Tea shelf accessory; small display object; gift for collectors of Japanese lacquerware and tea utensils
• Features: Two-part fitted lid and base; rounded domed form; glossy black finish; bird-and-grass motif on the lid; palm-sized construction
• Dimensions: 3" Diameter
• Condition: Vintage condition with age-appropriate surface wear

A graceful small-scale example of vintage Japanese lacquerware -- elegant in form, practical in purpose, and easy to enjoy in both tea practice and display.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.