Provenance
Mitsui Family, Southern Kyoto
Dimensions
Height: 3.9 cm
Mouth Diameter: 4.6 cm
Body Diameter: 5.2 cm
Base Diameter: 3.2 cm
Weight: 5-6 grams
Recorded in
Chado Senkei
Among Japanese incense containers, this Kiseito Neuta incense container may be the oldest. The Chado Senkei records that one was once attributed to Rikyu’s collection. This likely refers to a kōgō of this type. Also called a “flat jewel,” its shape is considered auspicious. The yellow glaze displays vivid coloration, while the tanban glaze appears generously on the middle of the lid, creating a beauty beyond compare. It is probably one of the finest examples of this type of kōgō.
There is also a sister piece, featured in the Kyuryudo edition of ‘Tea Ceremony Masterpieces’.
The author has seen a considerable number of incense boxes of this type, most being rather small. Each has become a treasured possession of connoisseurs, prized possessions of discerning tea masters.
This was a treasured possession of Matsurai O, of Minami Mitsui.
