Japanese Patinated Bronze And Cloisonné Incense Burner, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century

Elegant tripod incense burner in dark patinated bronze, adorned with a wide cloisonné band decorated with stylized polychrome motifs in turquoise, blue, red, green, and white tones.
The body is finely engraved with repeating geometric patterns, characteristic of certain Japanese Meiji period productions combining decorative refinement with remarkable technical precision.

The removable lid is surmounted by a small stylized shishi or karashishi dog, rendered with elegant restraint. The arched handles and zoomorphic feet contribute to the highly graphic silhouette of the piece.

Originally intended for the burning of incense, this type of object perfectly illustrates the aesthetic of late 19th century Japan, when workshops developed refined decorative arts both for the domestic market and for export to Europe, then deeply fascinated by Japonisme.

A beautifully decorative object with an attractive old patina and cloisonné enamels that still retain vivid chromatic contrasts.

Dimensions:
Height: 24 cm
Diameter: 18 cm

Gallery’s Perspective
What particularly appeals to us here is the dialogue between the almost archaic sobriety of the dark patinated bronze and the vivid presence of the cloisonné frieze. The compact tripod form, combined with the small seated shishi on the lid, gives the piece a sculptural and precious character. A typically Meiji decorative work, where metalwork and enamel artistry meet in a distinctly Japanese balance of texture, material, and colour.