This Kyō-yaki (京焼) kōgō (香盒) is formed in the shape of a tiger (寅, tora), one of the twelve zodiac animals. Rendered with a playful, folk-art sensibility, the tiger features a rounded body, bright expression, and hand-painted stripes that give it a lively and auspicious presence.
The warm yellow glaze is accented with red, black, and green details, including a bamboo motif on the side—an auspicious pairing with the tiger, symbolizing strength, resilience, and growth. A braided red-and-white cord at the back adds a traditional decorative touch and enhances its charm as a seasonal tea utensil.
As a zodiac-themed incense container, this piece is especially suitable for use during the Year of the Tiger or as a cheerful accent in a kōgō collection. Blending Kyoto ceramic tradition with a warm, approachable aesthetic, this tiger kōgō is both functional and delightful—an expressive example of how symbolism, craftsmanship, and playfulness come together in Japanese tea ceremony objects.
