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

This listing is for a wood-fired Shigaraki-ware kogo made around 20 years ago by Kurokawa Hirohisa. It is made of high-fired stoneware clay and moulded to resemble a tiger. The green colour is vitrified ash, and lines have been carved into the back of the tiger to create the appearance of stripes.  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 was most likely made to commemorate the Year of the Tiger back in 1998. The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed storage box.

Shigaraki-ware refers to pottery made in Shiga Prefecture. Shigaraki is perhaps one of the more well-known types of stoneware with its origins dating back to the Kamakura period. The Shiga region is home to one of the six oldest kilns in Japan, and this is because of its superb clay. It has a reddish-orange colour, along with a natural ash glaze acquired from the deposit of ashes in the kilns. Pieces of quartz, feldspar or silica can often be found on the surface, giving Shigaraki a wonderful gritty texture and rustic charm. Historically potters produced wares specifically for the tea ceremony, however craftsmen gradually shifted to producing items such as vases and sake bottles as well.

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.7.4cm (2.9”) x 7.5cm (2.9”) x 5cm (1.9”)

Kogo:  H.4.4cm (1.7”) x L.6cm (2.3”) x W.3.1cm (1.2”)

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.