Incense Container Kyoto Ware Hagoita Incense Container by Hashimoto Jōgaku

A hagoita is the wooden paddle used in Japan for hanetsuki, the shuttlecock game played at New Year, and richly decorated examples are still regarded as good-luck charms for the new year. This narrow container takes up the shape down to the last detail, from the broad blade to the dark handle flecked with gold.

The surface of the lid is divided into fields like a piece of brocade: at the top, red hexagons on a turquoise ground; in the middle, golden scrolls, pine needles and plum blossoms on white; at the tip, a red meander band. The sides are completely covered in warm gold, threaded with fine crackle. All the more surprising is the view inside, for both halves are lined with a brilliant green glaze. At the tea ceremony the container holds nerikō, kneaded incense made from finely ground fragrant materials, and its motif is especially suited to the first tea gathering of the year.

The handmade container from Kyōto dates from the Shōwa period, measures 11.5 × 2.5 cm and weighs 78 g. An impressed stamp sits on the underside of the handle. The wooden box is inscribed Iro-e Hagoita Kōgō and signed Jōgaku, the name of Hashimoto Jōgaku, who is known as a potter of Kyoto ware.