Incense Container Persimmon Incense Container by Ninomiya Kanzan

Ripe and glossy, this persimmon lies on the table, and only the fine seam around its middle reveals that the fruit can be opened. The glaze glows in a deep orange-red, like the fruit on bare branches in late autumn. At the top the brown calyx is modeled in relief, a gnarled piece of branch lies across it, and a single light-green leaf with a curled edge rests on top. Rows of black dots trace the lines along which the calyx sits on the fruit.

In the tea ceremony, the host chooses the kōgō to suit the season, and the persimmon is a classic autumn motif. This piece holds nerikō, kneaded incense made from finely ground fragrant materials. Inside, container and lid are glazed light gray and remain entirely plain, so that nothing distracts from the fragrance.

At 5.5 × 4.5 cm and just 62 g, the handmade container sits lightly in the hand. It dates from the Shōwa period and bears a small mark on the unglazed foot. The wooden box is inscribed Kaki-Kōgō, signed and marked with red stamps; signature and stamps point to Ninomiya Kanzan. A white cloth is included.