Japanese Sometsuke Plum Blossom Incense Box (Kōgō) in Mokubei Style

Story

Kyoto in the late 18th century was a hotbed of literary culture, where tea masters sought vessels that felt alive and personal. Master potter Aoki Mokubei transformed Japanese ceramics by infusing them with Chinese scholar-literati painting sensibilities. This incense box captures that spirit with expressively painted plum blossoms, the traditional herald of spring.

Maker / Origin

Aoki Mokubei (1767–1833) was a legendary Kyoto potter and painter, recognized as one of the 'Three Great Potters' of the late Edo period alongside Nonomura Ninsei and Ogata Kenzan. Renowned for his versatility, Mokubei studied ancient Chinese ceramics and reproduced complex glazes, enamels, and blue-and-white wares.

Condition & Value

Appears in good vintage condition with characteristic fine glaze crazing (kannyū) and subtle surface patination consistent with age and tea room handling. The accompanying fitted wooden box (tomobako) helps preserve its condition, though the lid's calligraphy should be inspected.