Antique Japanese Bronze Koro Incense Burner With Openwork Lotus Motif

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A small and beautifully cast Japanese bronze koro, or lidded incense burner, dating to the late Meiji or Taishō period, … Read more A small and beautifully cast Japanese bronze koro, or lidded incense burner, dating to the late Meiji or Taishō period, circa 1890–1925.

The body is pierced and modeled in relief with lotus and scrolling vine — coiling tendrils, ribbed heart-shaped leaves, blooms opening across the front — set between two loop handles and raised on an integral flaring pedestal foot with scrolled toes. The domed cover, also reticulated, is crowned by a shishi guarding a brocade ball beneath a lotus-bud finial. The key-fret pattern of that brocade ball reappears on the underside of the body.

A warm brown patina with residual gilding in the recesses gives it real depth in person. It reads as sculpture at a scale that works on a shelf, a stack of books, or a bathroom counter.

Three pieces: cover, body, and a plain bronze liner cup that lifts out to hold the incense. Unsigned, though old residue coats the interior and a mark may lie beneath it.

A note we like: the inside of the cover is still black with incense smoke and carries a faint scent of cherries.

Sold as found, with honest wear — patina worn to the high points, minor casting flaws and light pitting throughout, interior residue left intact. No breaks or repairs. Wooden stand shown is a prop and not included. See less