*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for a splendid Kyo-ware kogo made around 20 years ago by noted potter, Kotoge Katsuyoshi.  It is made of high-fired stoneware clay and moulded to resemble a resting horse.  Its size and shape is suitable for both woodchip and kneaded incense, although pottery kogo are typically used for kneaded incense during the cooler months. This piece is ample in size and was most likely made to commemorate the Year of the Horse back in 1990.  The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed storage box. It also comes with a stamped yellow wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use, as well as a Japanese language profile paper about the potter. 

Kotoge Katsuyoshi (b.1946) is a Kyo-ware potter originally from Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture.  He works out of Tanzan Gama which he established in 1974 in the tea district of Uji in Kyoto.  He studied under his uncle, Miyagawa Kosai V, and later Mashiko Living National Treasure Shimaoka Tatsuzo.  He has won several awards during his career, several at the Kinki Japan Crafts Council Exhibition, the Kyoto Prefectural Arts Crafts Exhibition, and he was selected for the prestigious Traditional Japanese Craft Exhibition.  In 1981 he was nominated as a member of the Japan Arts Crafts Association.  He has held several solo exhibitions and is most famous for his Mishima style pieces.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Kyo-ware originated in the 17th century in Kyoto and features overglaze enamel pigments on a porcelain base. The porcelain base acts as white canvas, allowing for beautiful and superior quality designs to be painted. Kyo-ware artisans traditionally produced chawan and utensils for the tea ceremony, however contemporary potters specialize in tableware, tea ceremony items, incense holders, and okimono. Kyo-ware was designated as a traditional craft in 1977.

Kogo are for holding incense during the tea ceremony. Kogo vary depending on the season. In summer wooden kogo are used for holding chips of incense wood, and in winter ceramic kogo are used for holding kneaded incense intended for the hearth. During the tea ceremony, incense is added to the charcoal fire during the charcoal-laying procedure.

Sizes

Box:  H.7.8cm (3”) x 9.7cm (3.8”) x 5.7cm (2.2”)

Kogo:  H.6cm (2.3”) x L.7.7cm (3”) x W.3.8cm (1.4”)

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks.

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.