This spectacular and very large pair of koro was crafted in Japan during the Meiji period. Koro is a Japanese term used to describe incense burners.
Cast from gilt and patinated bronze, each koro depicts a majestic elephant, its body covered in ceremonial attire. The saddle is cast with dragons, flowers, and tassel imitations, while around it are depictions of draping beads, the lavish garments suggesting the animals’ importance. The elephants are wearing a headdress and are depicted with their trunks up. Such a position is believed to symbolise good luck and in Japanese Buddhism, elephants represent the unity of opposites. Particularly eye-catching are the animals’ large ears. Gilding accentuates certain features, drawing the observer’s attention to the numerous fine details cast on this pair.
From the animal’s backs extends a prominent pagoda model. All three tiers are elaborately cast with pierced galleries, shaped windows, and animals. The pierced windows are adorned with various flower and plant depictions, including grape vines. Mythological animals grace the roof surfaces while the friezes below are filled with further grape vines adding continuity to the design. The edges of the roofs terminate with fish, dragons, and roosters with hanging finials. Topping these exceptional incense burners are roosters, in Japanese culture symbolic of courage and considered sacred.
The upper part of the incense burners lifts off to reveal a space in which incense could be placed. When burning, the smoke and smell would travel upwards through the pagoda and exit through the pierced windows.
Large white marble plinths support each koro, their light colouration highlighting the intricate details on the bronzes.
This design of koro was made primarily for export during the late 19th century. In 1869, after almost three centuries of isolation, Japan opened its borders to the West. This led to a wave of Japanese wares being exported to other countries. The present pair is crafted in a style appealing to Western clientele rather than the Japanese market.
One of the incense burners is signed in Japanese ‘Dai Nippon Osaka fu shita-ju Hasegawa… Toyokuni zo’ (‘made by Hasegawa … Toyokuni, a resident of Osaka of Great Japan’).
Filled with meaning and crafted using a variety of techniques, this intricate pair of koro would be an outstanding addition to the interior of anyone interested in Japanese culture.
Sculpture: Height 151cm, width 122cm, depth 43cm
Base: Height 56cm, width 82cm, depth 40cm
Overall: Height 207cm, width 122cm, depth 43cm
