Incense containers, called kogo 香合, are generally used for the traditional tea ceremony to store a few bits of incense. They come in all kinds of shapes. one will see many in the shape of animals, from the Asian zodiac. Other shapes such as fans, fruits, other auspicious animals, etc. are also plentiful. Most styles of Japanese ceramics have versions of kogo. They make wonderful collectables as they are small and come in such huge variety.
One of my favorite books is the Exhibition of Kogo from the George Clememceau Collection.  | ||||
Hagi by Watanabe Eisen (monkey)
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