A vintage Japanese ceramic kogo in the form of a coiled snake, associated with Ise Banko ware.
The compact rectangular body is modeled with deeply carved, rhythmic lines, while a small three-dimensional snake emerges from the top. Its dark brown glaze and sculptural surface give the piece a strong, almost architectural presence despite its small scale.
The snake is one of the twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac (eto), traditionally associated with renewal, transformation, and longevity.
The original storage box bears an inscription referring to Ise Banko (伊勢萬古 / 伊勢万古), a ceramic tradition associated with Mie Prefecture, Japan.
Originally made as a kogo — a small lidded container used for incense in the Japanese tea ceremony — it also works beautifully as a small sculptural object or collectible piece of Japanese ceramic art.
DIMENSIONS
Approx. 5.5 cm / 2.17 in long
Approx. 3.5 cm / 1.38 in wide
CONDITION
Good vintage condition with age-related signs of use and wear.
Please refer carefully to the photographs for the condition and details.
Includes its original storage box.
A compact and unusual example of Japanese zodiac imagery translated into a functional tea ceremony object.
