Japanese Ceramic Kōro Incense Burner, 1800s, Set of 2

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Description

MEASUREMENTS:
Height: 22.5 cm; Width: 23 cm; Depth: 18.5 cm; Weight: 2.133 kg

Item :
Large, two-section Japanese tripod incense … Read more MEASUREMENTS:
Height: 22.5 cm; Width: 23 cm; Depth: 18.5 cm; Weight: 2.133 kg

Item :
Large, two-section Japanese tripod incense burner (kōro), consisting of a brazier and a ceramic incense burner, dating to the second half of the 19th century. The object is hand-drilled and features two large oval openings on the base of the brazier, as well as numerous small pentagonal perforations on the top. The three support legs are shaped like the faces of Japanese demon. The structure is divided into two parts: the larger, lower brazier, which fed the flame through the oval openings, and the smaller, upper warmer, which held the incense, which, once heated, diffused its aroma throughout the room. It is assumed that the incense burner lacks its original lid, usually made of metal and perforated to allow smoke to escape. The entire body is hand-decorated with refined floral and plant motifs, including water irises and chrysanthemums. Many of the flower petals and the geometric band beneath the pentagonal perforations are made with lightly raised enamels, while the rest of the decoration and foliage is smooth. Both the brazier and the incense burner are two-handled, featuring double handles in the shape of dragon heads. A beautiful patina of age is evident beneath the base, perfectly consistent with the estimated production period. Although the piece is unsigned, it is certainly Japanese in origin and can be traced back to the Classical Meiji period of the late 19th century. The Meiji era (1868-1912) represents a historical phase of fundamental importance for Japan, which developed under the reign of Emperor Mutsuhito. Among the various Japanese manufacturers that created similar objects, in our opinion, considering the type of decoration and the object's shape, this incense burner is attributable to the Satsuma Manufactory, one of the most important and ancient Japanese manufacturers. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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