Vintage Japanese Cast Iron Zodiac Astrology Incense Burner With Verdigris Patina

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This vintage Japanese cast iron incense burner features a beautifully detailed relief of the twelve zodiac animals encircling the outer … Read more This vintage Japanese cast iron incense burner features a beautifully detailed relief of the twelve zodiac animals encircling the outer rim, with a removable pierced lid adorned with symbolic characters at the center. The lid includes stylized kanji referencing the traditional Twelve Earthly Branches (十二支), the classical East Asian zodiac cycle represented by the surrounding animals. This thoughtful detail ties the iconography together and adds cultural depth to the design. Measuring 10.25ʺW × 10.25ʺD × 2.5ʺH, the piece has substantial presence and weight. The cast iron body is finished with an applied verdigris-style patina that highlights the raised details and gives the surface an aged bronze appearance. The scalloped outer edge and scrolling border further enhance its sculptural quality. The lid lifts to reveal a recessed bowl interior for incense cones or charcoal. Marked “Japan” on the underside, likely dating to the mid-20th century (circa 1960s–1970s). See less