This kōgō (香盒) is crafted in the form of a boar (亥, inoshishi), rendered in the serene tones of Kōrai seiji (高麗青磁 / Korean celadon). The piece is covered in a soft bluish-green glaze with a gentle translucency, characteristic of celadon ware, giving it a calm, refined presence.
The stylized boar, with its upward gaze and softly carved features, carries auspicious meaning in Japanese culture—symbolizing courage, determination, and protection, as well as serving as the zodiac animal of the year. Its rounded, compact form fits naturally in the hand, while the subtle crackle and tonal variation in the glaze enhance its depth and beauty.
Kōrai celadon, originally developed in Korea during the Goryeo dynasty, has long been admired in Japan for its elegant glaze quality and understated sophistication, often influencing Japanese ceramic aesthetics, especially in tea culture.
Both functional and symbolic, this kōgō is a charming tea utensil that embodies a quiet harmony of East Asian ceramic tradition and seasonal meaning, making it a refined addition to any tea collection.
Size: 6 x 5 x 7cm
