This elegant incense container (香盒 / Kōgō) is a fine example of Banko ware (萬古焼, Banko-yaki) from Shōko Kiln (松古窯), crafted by the noted potter Sakuma Katsuyama (佐久間勝山).
佐久間勝山（さくま・かつざん） was a celebrated artist and the fourth-generation head of the Shōko Kiln 松古窯 in Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture, a kiln belonging to the Banko-yaki (萬古焼) tradition. Born in 1906, he trained under his father 佐久間芳隣 and went on to develop a refined yet imaginative style rooted in classical tea ceramics.
From 1947 onward, Katsuyama created works for the Omotesenke tea school under master Sokuchūsai, and later received the kiln seal “松古印” from Urasenke master Tantansai, affirming his standing among Japan’s leading tea-ceramic artisans. His works span a wide range of styles — from Ninsei and Kenzan imitations to Karatsu, Shigaraki, and Iga — always executed with a balance of elegance and warmth.
The piece is a round lidded box, decorated with vibrant concentric rings in blue, yellow, and red encircling the lid. At its center, a delicately sculpted Cow OX — rendered in lustrous, iridescent blue glaze — adds both charm and individuality. The colors and textures reflect Katsuyama’s distinctive approach to combining playful natural motifs with refined ceramic tradition.
The body of the kōgō displays the characteristic qualities of Banko ware: smooth, slightly textured glaze over a warm clay body, demonstrating both precision and warmth. The underside is left unglazed, showing the natural tone of the clay and the handmade character of the work. It is housed in its original signed wooden box (共箱 / Tomobako), inscribed with calligraphy identifying the work and kiln, and sealed with a red hanko (seal mark).
Size: 7 x 7 x 4cm
9 x 9 x 6.5cm (Wooden Box)
