Antique Japanese Kogo Incense Container, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-611-1

Japanese Kogo Incense Container | Lacquer Jewelry Dish & Tea Ceremony Accent, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-611-1

A palm-sized kogo in deep black lacquer, adorned with shimmering raden mother-of-pearl inlay depicting birds among reeds -- presented in its original wood storage box.

A kogo is a small lidded container used in the Japanese tea ceremony to hold fragrant incense, placed beside the brazier during the gathering as both a functional and aesthetic offering. This exquisite example from the Early Showa period features a smoothly domed lid finished in glossy black urushi lacquer -- a finish prized for centuries for its depth and durability. The lid is decorated using the raden technique, in which finely cut fragments of mother-of-pearl shell are inlaid directly into the lacquer surface to create a naturalistic scene of two birds resting among swaying grasses. The iridescent shell catches the light with shifting hues of violet, green, and blue, bringing the composition alive against the mirror-black ground. The shallow base is lacquered in matching black, and the piece fits together with a precise, satisfying lift. This is a fine example of handcrafted Japanese antique lacquerware at its most refined.

Today this kogo makes a beautiful and versatile object for modern interiors. Display it open on a vanity or dresser as a ring dish or jewelry holder, or set it on a meditation altar or incense tray as a living room accent in keeping with the wabi-sabi aesthetic. Its compact scale and striking black-and-iridescent palette also make it an ideal display piece on a bookshelf or tea tray in a Japandi-style home. Presented with its original kiri wood box and silk wrapping cloth, it arrives ready to give as a unique gift for collectors, tea ceremony enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the quiet elegance of Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Wood core with black urushi lacquer; raden (mother-of-pearl) inlay; comes with kiri wood storage box and silk cloth
• Use: Kogo -- incense container used in the Japanese tea ceremony (chado)
• Modern Use: Ring dish or jewelry holder on a vanity; decorative accent on a tea tray or meditation altar; display object on a shelf in a Japandi or minimalist interior
• Features: Oval domed form; deep gloss black lacquer finish; raden mother-of-pearl inlay scene of birds among reeds with iridescent color play; precisely fitted lid and base; accompanied by original wood storage box and orange silk wrapping cloth
• Dimensions: 3" Diameter
• Condition: Excellent

A luminous piece of Japanese antique lacquerware -- where centuries-old raden craft and the stillness of the tea ceremony meet in the palm of your hand.

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 and antique 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.