This charming vintage Japanese kōgō (香合), or incense container, is modeled after the famous Three Wise Monkeys (三猿, sanzaru). Sculpted in a playful rounded form and decorated in white, red, green, and gold, the piece opens at the center to reveal a small compartment traditionally intended for holding incense used during the Japanese tea ceremony.
The Three Wise Monkeys embody the familiar teaching “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” (見ざる・聞かざる・言わざる). In Japan, the motif is also connected to a clever wordplay: zaru, an archaic negative verb ending meaning “not,” sounds like saru (猿), meaning “monkey.” This association gave rise to the three monkeys covering their eyes, ears, and mouth.
Kōgō are small lidded containers traditionally used to hold incense, particularly during tea gatherings. Their designs often reflect seasonal subjects, auspicious symbols, animals, and humorous folk motifs. With its expressive sculptural form and traditional sanzaru theme, this piece works beautifully both as a functional incense container and as a distinctive piece of Japanese folk-inspired décor or tea-ceremony ware.
As a vintage item, it may show minor signs of age and previous use, which form part of its character and history.
Size: 5 x 5 x 5cm
