Kogo or container for incense in a compressed, circular form ornamented with an abstract pooling whirlpool motif in black, red, pink, mauve, green and yellow. Of kanshitsu or dry lacquer built up in layered lacquers carved in choshitsu technique and polished. With applied silver mounts. By Tanaka Kounsai (active early 20th century). Taisho era, circa 1912 – 1926.

With the tomobako or original box, inscribed on the exterior reverse of the box: Nushi Kounsai or Lacquer Craftsman Kounsai, and sealed; and on the reverse of the lid: Iro Urushi Kogo or Colored Lacquer Incense Box, and: Konnichi-an.

Tanaka Kounsai was a Kyoto area lacquer artist who made many tea ceremony pieces.
On the reverse of the kogo lid is the red lacquer kao or calligraphic signature of Tantansai, the alternative name for Mugensai Sekiso Soshitsu (1893 – 1964), the 14th head of the Urasenke tea school. That he signed the piece testifies to his appreciation of its quality and beauty, its worth as an object for tea ceremony.

Konnichi-an refers to a 17th century tea house built by Sen Sotan in the gardens of the Urasenke school’s Kyoto estate. The gardens are noted for pathways made with broken, antique rooftiles.

The pooling lacquer arcs across the lid with the motif mirrored on the base and on the interior surfaces. The solid lacquer weights as beautifully in the hand as its form nestles perfectly into one’s palm.