Large Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze koro

This patinated bronze koro was crafted during a time of great industrial competition between the East and West. In the Meiji period, Japan applied traditional technology to works of art for export to Western countries. Pieces such as this incense burner were made for the great European and American international exhibitions, where they won great acclaim. Bronze-casters from all over Japan adapted the existing traditions of bronze manufacture for temple fittings and flower containers to produce an impressive range of exhibition pieces that combine exaggerated features borrowed from early Chinese work with a wealth of exotic decoration.

The koro features an oblong barrel-form body supported by a rectilinear base of four feet. The ovoid body is surmounted by a superbly rendered seated figure, which functions not only as an ornamental finial but also as a functional lid. The bronze koro is adorned with a series of traditional Japanese motifs.

The underside is signed in Japanese script.