This handcrafted incense box (香盒, kōbako) was created by the Asahi-yaki kiln (朝日焼) of Uji, Kyoto, a pottery lineage with over 400 years of history, renowned for its deep connection to Japanese tea culture and the spirit of wabi-sabi. Founded in the late 16th century, Asahi-yaki has been passed down through generations of the Matsubayashi (松林) family, each bearing the artist name 松林豊斎 (Hōsai). The kiln’s works are celebrated for their gentle colors, refined simplicity, and harmonious balance, embodying the quiet elegance of the Uji landscape.
This particular piece, a zodiac incense box for the Year of the Dog (戌香盒), was made in Shōwa 57 (1982). The charming dog-shaped form, rendered in warm pink-beige glaze with soft white highlights, reflects Asahi-yaki’s signature aesthetic is subtle, organic, and tranquil. Traditionally, the dog symbolizes loyalty, protection, and safe childbirth, and incense boxes like this were often created to celebrate the New Year and invoke blessings for the household.
The piece comes in its original wooden tomobako (box), inscribed with calligraphy identifying it as “戌香盒” and bearing the kiln’s seal and signature. A folded letter enclosed within explains the symbolic meaning of the zodiac dog and extends wishes for health and prosperity.
Due to aging of the object, a small glaze on the right ear has flaked off.
Size: 7 x 7.5 x 4cm
6.5 x 10 x 6.5cm (Wood box)
