*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 the highly esteemed potter, Takahashi Rakusai IV.  It is made of high-fired stoneware clay and moulded to resemble an ox.  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 Ox back in 1997.  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. 

The Takahashi family has the honour of being one of the original potter families in Shiga, the first being Takahashi Tozaemon in the 1830s. They are largely responsible for reviving the techniques and traditions that were almost lost from long ago, and in 1964 the third generation was designated as an Intangible Cultural Property. The Rakusai family is probably best known for their three landscapes effect – a combination of fire colour, scorch markings, and vitrified glass. Takahashi Rakusai IV (b.1925) is the fourth generation master of the Takahashi family kiln, taking over in 1976 after the third generation passed away. Rakusai IV trained under Rakusai III, and he became a master at wood firing. He held various solo exhibitions in Japan, as well as a solo exhibition in Los Angeles. He was certified as a Traditional Craftsman of Shiga Prefecture by the Japanese government, and he served as Chairman of the Shigaraki Ceramic Artists Association. The Takahashi kiln is now in its fifth generation and headed by Rakusai IV’s eldest son, Kozo (b.1954). **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and cannot be used in your own listings.

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.7cm (2.7”) x 10.5cm (4.1”) x 7.2cm (2.8”)

Kogo:  H.3.6cm (1.4”) x L.8.4cm (3.3”) x W.5cm (1.9”)

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.