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

This listing is for a Tsuboya-ware kogo made around 30 years ago by Shimabukuro Kenji.  It is moulded to resemble a shisa and features a combination of blue, caramel and green glaze over light coloured slip. Its size and shape is suitable for holding both woodchip and kneaded incense, although pottery kogo are typically used for kneaded incense during the cooler months. It comes with its original paper storage box, as well as a Japanese language profile paper about shisa. 

Shisa are a traditional Ryukyuan decoration, often in pairs, resembling a cross between a lion and a dog, from Okinawan mythology. People place pairs of shisa on their rooftops or flanking the gates to their houses. Shisa are believed to protect homes from various types of evils. When in pairs, the left shisa traditionally has a closed mouth, the right one an open mouth. The open mouth wards off evil spirits, and the closed mouth keeps good spirits in.

Tsuboya-ware refers to pottery produced in the southern islands of Okinawa. Yomitan Village, located in the central region of mainland Okinawa, is known as the birthplace of Okinawan pottery because it is home to Kinjo Kiln. In fact pottery was being produced in Okinawa long before Kinjo came along, and goes as far back as the Ryukyu Dynasty. It was Kinjo’s depictions of carved fish and shrimp though that brought Tsuboya-ware into the spotlight, and in 1985 he was designated a Living National Treasure.

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

Paper Box:  H.7.8cm (3”) x 7.5cm (2.9”) x 7.5cm (2.9”)

Kogo:  H.6.8cm (2.6”) x Dia.6.1cm (2.4”)

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.