Miyagawa Koun II Fukura-suzume (Puffed Sparrow) Incense Box with Silver Feathers

A ceramic kogo in the form of a fukura-suzume, the plump winter sparrow fluffed against the cold, with silver feathers inside, by Kyoto potter Miyagawa Koun II.

Miyagawa Koun II was born in Kyoto in 1938 and studied under Kiyomizu Rokubei VI before working independently from 1968; he succeeded to the Koun name in 1980, marked by a succession exhibition at Kyoto Takashimaya. Ceramic kogo are used during the ro (sunken hearth) season, roughly November to April, when kneaded incense is placed near the charcoal. The puffed sparrow is a beloved winter and good-fortune motif.

Details

• Artist: Miyagawa Koun II (宮川香雲), Kyoto
• Design: fukura-suzume, interior feathers in silver
• Size: approx. 7.2 × 6.3 × 3.7 cm high
• Box: wooden box
• Condition: new

Watch: overglaze gold painting on Kyo-yaki

A certified traditional craftsman of the Kyoto kiln Hashimoto Jogaku demonstrates overglaze gold painting on a matcha bowl, from the Kyoto no Arukikata channel. (A general craft video — not this piece or maker.)

Please read before ordering

• Limited availability. We confirm availability with the dealer in Japan within one business day of your order; if it has sold we refund in full immediately.
• Ships from New Jersey in 2–3 weeks. Price includes all import duties. Fully insured, signature required.
• Professionally double-boxed for shipping.