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

This listing is for an Umoregi-zaiku kogo made around 30-40 years ago by veteran umoregi artisan, Kotake Takashi.  Umoregi translates as bogwood, a carbonised version of pine, yew and cypress trees that have been buried for many thousands of years.  Bogwood occurs during the early stages of fossilisation, and it has been used to craft wares since the Edo period.  Vast amounts of bogwood found in the Sendai area led to a boom in bogwood crafts.  Eventually production declined and now only one workshop produces bogwood crafts.  This workshop is operated by Kotake Takashi and his apprentice Suzuki Ayano.  The kogo is this listing was handcrafted by Kotake and consists of rough textures combined with smooth lacquered parts.  Its size and shape is suitable for holding woodchip incense, and wooden kogo are typically reserved for use the warmer months.  It comes with its original UNSIGNED wooden storage box, as well as a Japanese language profile paper umoregi-zaiku, and another from a store named Senshin-an.  Senshin-an is located nearby Zuiganji temple, they offer a wide range of souvenirs handcrafted by artisans from the Matsushima Bay area, most likely this kogo was purchased from there.

Kotake Takashi (b.1944) is a traditional umoregi craftsperson born and raised in Sendai city.  He makes bogwood crafts using a technique called kurimono.  Kurimono is the technique of hollowing out a single block of wood using a carving blade, chisel or plane.  It requires a high degree of skill and takes many years to master. In 1984 he received the Japan Crafts Association East Japan Branch Award at the 24th Traditional Crafts Exhibition, and in 1986 he received the Miyagi Prefecture Art Award.  He is a regular member of the Japan Kogei Association, and he currently serves as an advisor for the Kahoku Arts and Crafts Exhibition.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

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.5.1cm (2”) x 7.9cm (3.1”) x 7.9cm (3.1”)

Kogo:  H.3cm (1.1”) x 5.9cm (2.3”) x 5.9cm (2.3”)

Condition

It’s in very good condition with only minor wear, the wooden box however has a slightly discoloured lid.

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.