Japanese Bronze Koro, Meiji Period (1868–1912)

An elegant bronze incense burner resting on a tall, flared pedestal, featuring a distinctive brown/chestnut patina. The body is adorned with two stylized elephant heads serving as handles on either side—a decorative motif highly prized in Meiji-period export bronzes. The body features a relief design depicting a pair of birds (quails or sparrows) perched on a flowering branch, in the narrative and naturalistic style typical of Meiji-period relief work. The pedestal features a similar floral and animal motif.

The domed, openwork lid (designed to allow smoke to escape) is adorned with a floral motif and topped by a finely carved figurine depicting a shishi (protective lion-dog), seated, with its paw raised and tail curled—a classic and protective motif in Japanese art. The inner surface of the lid also features finely openwork foliage.

Material and craftsmanship: cast bronze with a natural brown patina, characteristic of high-quality Meiji-period bronzes intended for both the domestic market and export to the West. The three-part silhouette (base, body, lid) and the rich yet restrained decoration suggest a workshop of high craftsmanship, although no signature is visible in the photographs.

Condition: visible signs of use and variations in the patina, consistent with the piece’s age; no apparent cracks.