Box

Kogo or incense containers are usually palm-sized boxes made of clay, lacquered wood, and other materials and come in various shapes and forms. Though unorthodox, a playful, creative host might display less traditional works such as this box in the tokonoma.

The maker of this box, Kyoto-based artist Kondo Takahiro, studied ceramics in Kyoto and Edinburgh. He is a third-generation ceramicist whose works reference the legacy of his grandfather Kondo Yuzo, who was designated a Living National Treasure for his underglaze cobalt ware. At the same time, Takahiro has established his own techniques and style with groundbreaking works that transcend the traditional boundaries of Japanese ceramics.

This work exemplifies his signature glaze technique, “silver mist” or gintekisai, which incorporates silver, platinum, gold, and frit, a binding agent. In addition to his unique “silver mist” glaze, Kondo used “gold mist” to create a metallic, beaded effect that covers the entire box.