The jewel-shaped pointed tip, the curved, domed lid, and the spherical body are all meticulously crafted using lathe techniques.
The wood is polished to a finish, without any paint applied.
Please enjoy the natural feel and beautiful grain of the wood.
Known as a demon-repelling tree because its kanji character combines "tree" (木) and "demon" (鬼), the Pagoda Tree (槐 - enju) is a hard and durable wood that has long been used for tokobashira (alcove posts).
It has also been associated with the characters for "long life" (延寿) and "auspicious blessings" (縁授), and has been cherished as a very auspicious tree.
The shimmering grain, which changes with the angle of the light, is beautiful, and over time, it will develop a dark, lustrous sheen.
Occasionally, gently stroking it with a dry cloth, or lightly touching it when you pick it up, will gradually increase its luster. (↓Photo of Pagoda Tree)
Our kogo (incense containers) are also recommended as small storage boxes for your favorite or precious small items.
May you feel a sense of calm as you experience the warmth and gentleness of the wood, whether it's with an exciting feeling at the start of the day or a grateful feeling when you gently put it away.
In addition to Pagoda Tree, the jewel-shaped kogo is also available in Cherry Blossom (↑left in photo) and Mulberry (↑right in photo).
Black Persimmon is also available.
Additionally, kogo are available in three shapes. 
The auspicious jewel shape,
the gently rounded jingasa (warrior's hat) shape (↑middle in photo), and the flat, sleek hamaguri (clam) shape (↑left in photo).
Please choose your favorite shape.
It is also recommended as a gift for celebrations or for someone special.
*This kogo does not come with a box. Customers who require a box (↓white box in photo) should add it to their cart here. The box is different from gift wrapping.
[Care Instructions]
- Occasionally wipe with a soft cloth. Alternatively, you may simply run your hands over the entire surface each time you use it.
- If it gets wet, wipe it off immediately (excluding fuki-urushi lacquerware products).
- Do not place in direct sunlight or in hot, humid locations.
[About the Artisan]
Woodturner Yoshizou Nishiwaki
(Member of the Japan Woodturning Association, Nagano Prefecture Woodcraft Instructor)
Our products originate from the search for raw timber by my predecessor.
Starting in Nagano Prefecture, he would search for trees with lumberjacks in neighboring prefectures, and the artisan himself would fell them. There were many years when enough high-quality timber to fill several trucks was prepared, but with each passing year, large, aged trees became scarcer. Even if purchased from the market, they would be quite expensive, so we carefully craft products from the raw timber left by my predecessor.
I have a sense of mission to show gratitude for such precious wood and to bring out its maximum beauty.
Woodcraft may seem simple and understated at first glance, but I believe it is a job that can convey the evidence of a tree's life, whether it be for decades or centuries. By carefully allowing the raw timber to rest for decades, the wood is taught to remember the four seasons, and I determine the timing for production with my own hands. Perhaps only those who have handled wood for many years can hear the voice of the wood.