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Japanese Lacquer Incense Box, Kogo, Momoyama or Edo Period, 16th/17th Century

About the Item

A wonderful Japanese lacquer incense box, kogo, with a design of plovers in flight, late Momoyama or early Edo Period, circa 1600, Japan. The small box, called a kogo, was used to store precious incense. Crafted in rich and finely worked maki-e lacquer, the exterior of the kogo decorated with a flock of plovers, chidori, in flight against golden clouds and a gold dusted sky. The interior also with maki-e chidori in flight against a nashiji ground. The rims of the kogo mounted in pewter. Plovers, known as chidori in Japan, are considered auspicious animals, symbolizing longevity and perseverance. Their call is thought to sound like the word "chiyo", meaning ten thousand generations. Because they often fly over windy or stormy seas, they are seen as being tenacious. With a later wooden storage box, tomobako, of Japanese cedar, sugi, with a two character inscription "kogo". Measurements of kogo only: 2.88" x 2.63" x 1.13"
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 2.75 in (6.99 cm)Width: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)Depth: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)
  • Style:
    Edo (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Cedar,Gold,Lacquer,Pewter,Joinery,Lacquered
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    Early 17th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1600
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. No chips, cracks or repairs noted. Storage box of a later date.
  • Seller Location:
    Austin, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU894727671772

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