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

This listing is for a Kyo-ware kogo made around 36 years ago by master potter, Miyashita Zenju.  It is moulded to resemble a snake and coated in transparent white glaze and a patch of green on the lid.  It is suitable for holding both woodchip and kneaded incense, although pottery kogo are intended for kneaded incense.  This piece was most likely made to commemorate the Year of the Snake back in 1989.  The kogo would have been made the year before in 1988, and most likely the last pieces Miyashita made before he passed away.  The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box.  It also comes with a stamped turmeric coloured wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use.

Miyashita Zenju (1901-1988) was a Kyo-ware potter and the father of the internationally renowned ceramic artist Miyashita Zenji (1939-2012). His career began in 1916 when he joined the Kyoto City Ceramics Education Centre. Shortly after this he was drafted into the military and sent to Korea. After his release he began studying at the Gyeongseong Goryeo Ceramics Institute for 2 years from 1926-1928. During this time he became interested in Korean burial mounds. He decided to return to Japan and joined the Japan Ceramics Association for 4 years studying under master potter Kawamura Seizan. In 1935 his work was selected for the Shin Bunten Exhibition (now Nitten), and in 1949 he received the Special Selection Award at the Nitten Fine Arts Exhibition. In 1955 he received an award at the Nitten Exhibition, and he was invited to exhibit at a special show one year later. In 1958 he was invited to become a judge at the 1st New Japan Exhibition. In 1959 he became a member of the Nitten Association, and in 1975 he received the Prime Ministers Award at the Nitten Exhibition. In 1976 he was designated as a Kyoto Art and Crafts Person of Merit, and in 1981 he received the Kyoto City Person of Cultural Merit Award. His work is on permanent display at the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, and at the Kyoto National Museum. **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.6.5cm (2.5”) x 7cm (2.7”) x 7cm (2.7”)

Kogo:  H.3.8cm (1.4”) x Dia.5.3cm (2”)

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks, the box however is a little spotty.

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.