This vintage kōgō (香盒) is crafted in the style of Kōrai seiji (高麗青磁), featuring a serene ox carrying fukudawara (福俵)—auspicious rice bales symbolizing prosperity and abundance.
Kōrai seiji refers to celadon wares inspired by the celebrated ceramics of Korea’s Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), renowned for their luminous jade-like glaze and refined elegance. In Japan, Kōrai-style celadon became especially admired in tea culture for its soft translucency, subtle crackle (貫入), and calm, dignified presence. The glaze’s gentle blue-green tone evokes purity and serenity, qualities deeply appreciated in the aesthetics of the tea ceremony.
This piece is covered in a luminous celadon glaze of soft jade-green tone, with fine crackle patterns that enhance its depth and classical beauty. The ox is modeled in rounded, harmonious form, its calm expression conveying steadiness and reliability. Resting upon its back are neatly shaped rice bales, a traditional symbol of wealth, good harvest, and good fortune.
As the zodiac animal of the ox (丑), it represents diligence, perseverance, and quiet strength. Combined with the motif of fukudawara, this kōgō expresses wishes for prosperity and stable fortune, making it especially meaningful for New Year tea gatherings or seasonal display.
