Japanese Meiji-era Kutani-satsuma Drum-form Figural Incense Burner With Jurojin & Phoenix, C.18

An outstanding Japanese export earthenware incense burner, circa 1890, crafted in the dual tradition of Satsuma crackle glaze and Kutani moriage. The drum vessel is upheld by two karako boys with ox-horn coiffures, clad in ornate robes—one green, one red—each bearing lively expressions. The front panel features Jurojin, god of longevity, seated beneath cherry blossoms beside a stylized tiger; the reverse presents a gilded phoenix emerging from sculpted clouds. The body is lavishly encrusted with raised enamels, dot gilding and intricate floral arabesques in gold, black, red and green, with a finely crackled Satsuma glaze inside. Both boys have undergone restoration: the green-robed figure’s right hand and head are re-glued, left hand missing, base chipped; the red-robed figure’s hands and head are re-glued, with a small base chip and minor enamel loss near the central figure’s hand. These thoughtful repairs do not diminish the exceptional artistry or visual impact of this masterpiece. Dimensions: Height 18 cm; Width 20 cm; Depth 13 cm; Weight 1 194 g. Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
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