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

This listing is for a Hagi-ware kogo made around 13 years ago by Uchimura Mikio.  It is moulded to resemble a snake and coated in transparent white glaze.  It’s 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 2013.  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 Japanese language profile about Hagi-ware.

Uchimura Mikio is a Hagi-ware potter and current master of Uchimura Workshop.  His kiln is located in a small mountainous area nearby Hagi city, and he has been producing pottery for the past 30 years.  He mainly produces tableware, and he aims for ‘simplicity’ when creating work.  He sources clay from the nearby mountains, and he draws his inspiration from his quiet rural surroundings.  It is possible to visit Uchimura’s workshop, however it is a little far from the busy tourist areas within Hagi city.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Hagi-ware is a type of high-fired stoneware produced in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is characterized by its rough clay, bumpy pitted surface, and generous coating of translucent white glaze. It is generally made of very porous clay which results in tiny crackles that absorb tea, so it’s important to soak Hagi-ware thoroughly before use. In time the tea deposits will seep into the glaze, creating a deeper tone. This is often considered a charming characteristic rather than a shortcoming, and it’s precisely the reason why Hagi-ware is so highly regarded in the world of Chado.

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.8cm (3.1”) x 8.2cm (3.2”) x 8.2cm (3.2”)

Kogo:  H.3.9cm (1.5”) x L.5.2cm (2”) x W.4.4cm (1.7”)

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.