Dimensions
Height: 6.8 cm
Mouth Diameter: 5.3 cm
Weight: 113 g
Owner
Hatakeyama Memorial Museum, Tokyo
Like the previously mentioned horizontal melon-shaped incense box, this is an incense box ordered from China and shipped by sea according to Kobori Enshū’s preference.
While the form of this type of incense box is uniform, the patterns depicted vary. This kōgō features a pattern of interlocking motifs arranged around a bamboo fence-like structure, rendered as if vines were entwined.
A defining characteristic of these auspicious kōgō is the bright white base glaze, the vivid and well-colored indigo glaze, and the harmonious transparency of the glass glaze, which together create an unparalleled beauty.
This piece predates Gorōdayū’s adoption of the Shōzui name and is naturally unmarked. The Enshū Zōchō (Enshū Inventory) simply records it as a sometsuke (underglaze blue) piece.
While several types of incense containers reflect Enshū’s taste, this particular variety is considered an especially fine and desirable example.
