Mid-20th Century Japanese Champlevé Enamel Tripod Koro With Shishi Finial

Details

Description

A mid-20th-century Japanese tripod incense burner, or kōro, cast in copper alloy and decorated with polychrome champlevé enamel. The globular … Read more A mid-20th-century Japanese tripod incense burner, or kōro, cast in copper alloy and decorated with polychrome champlevé enamel. The globular vessel stands upon three cast feet and is fitted with paired zoomorphic handles, a removable domed cover and a seated shishi or komainu guardian lion finial.

The decoration combines cobalt blue, turquoise-green, red and white vitreous enamels with extensively exposed gold-toned metalwork. The enamel occupies recessed areas within the cast relief, making champlevé the appropriate primary technical description rather than conventional wire-cell cloisonné. Floral and scrolling motifs encircle the vessel, complemented by the sculptural handles and guardian finial.

The substantial 1.15 lb construction is consistent with cast copper-alloy manufacture. The underside bears an impressed “Made in Japan” mark, with an additional printed or painted “Made in Japan” mark also reported. These markings establish Japanese manufacture, while the form, construction and decorative treatment support a probable working date of c.1950–1970. The maker remains unidentified.

Measurements: 7.5 in H × 6.5 in W × 5 in D

Weight: 1.15 lb

Style: Japanese, Asian, Traditional

Origin: Japan

Age: Mid-20th century, probably c.1950–1970 See less