This unusual black and red covered square box is most likely an incense storage container called a kogo. Early 20th century. Carved in nuri guri style, the cover appears to depict a tortoise, the symbol of longevity. The interior is finished in plain black lacquer. Nuri guri is the technique of laying down and alternating dozens of layers of red and black lacquer and then carving through the layers in intricate geometric or curved patterns borrowed from the Chinese. The deep cuts are made at an angle so that the various layers of colored lacquer are revealed. The uncluttered beauty of nuri guri incense containers was favored by the Japanese for use with the tea ceremony ritual. Incense (“ko”) was introduced into Japan along with Buddhism around the sixth century, and it has remained a part of religious ceremonies ever since. Incense also played an important role in the tea ceremony. After cleaning the rooms before the guests arrive, incense was used to purify the space spiritually and help separate it from secular space. The incense was kept in small containers and conveyed with chopsticks into the fire in the brazier. Condition is excellent. Dimensions: 3” (7.5 cm) square, 1 1/8” (3 cm) high.
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