Taniguchi Ryōzō 谷口良三 (1926-1996)

Incense Case (kōgō)

Inv. Nr. #A16
Date 20th c.
Material Glazed stoneware
Dimensions H 4,8  x D 7,0 cm

Comes with signed and sealed wooden box.

Price: EUR 800

This small ceramic case with a dome-shaped lid rests on a small circular stand and is used to store incense. Beautiful kōgō are used for presentation in the tea ceremony after the incense is placed in the charcoal brazier during sumitemae 炭手前 ("charcoal arranging").

 

Taniguchi Ryōzō, born in Kyōto, is an important ceramicist who revitalized contemporary Japanese ceramics. He was an apprentice of Kiyomizu Rokubey VI. He was selected for the Nitten exhibition for the first time in 1951 and was awarded the Nitten Special Prize. Many solo exhibitions and prizes followed throughout his career. 

 

Most notably, Taniguchi Ryōzō's works are part of the Imperial Collection and have been displayed during official meetings of the Emperor, such as between Hirohito and the Prince and Princess of Wales, Charles and Diana in 1986.