Vintage Japanese Blue-and-White Porcelain Reticulated Koro (Incense Burner), Mid-Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26M-817

Vintage Japanese Blue-and-White Porcelain Reticulated Koro (Incense Burner), Mid-Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26M-817

A miniature blue-and-white porcelain koro with reticulated panels -- delicate craftsmanship from postwar Japan.

A koro is a traditional Japanese incense burner, used in the home, Buddhist altar settings, and tea ceremony contexts to carry fragrant smoke as an offering or to purify the atmosphere. This petite example is crafted in the classic blue-and-white (sometsuke) porcelain style, featuring a square open top, a barrel-shaped body with finely pierced lattice panels on all four sides, painted feather-and-dot border motifs, and a flared footed base. The reticulated openwork -- pierced by hand in a repeating diamond-and-oval pattern -- allowed incense smoke or the glow of a small flame to filter through, casting delicate shadow patterns on surrounding surfaces. A small metal insert visible inside the base suggests it was used as a charcoal or incense holder. Small hand-painted motifs, possibly depicting insects or birds, decorate the shoulder panels, adding quiet charm consistent with vintage Japanese ceramic craft of the mid-Showa period.

In a modern home, this charming little koro works beautifully as a living room accent or bedroom decor piece -- displayed on a shelf, windowsill, or side table as part of a wabi-sabi or Japandi style vignette. It can hold a small tealight candle (unlit, for display) to showcase the gorgeous lattice shadow effect, or serve as a miniature decorative planter for a tiny air plant or dried moss. Its compact scale and timeless blue-and-white palette make it a unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese ceramics.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Blue-and-white porcelain (sometsuke) with metal interior insert
• Use: Koro -- traditional Japanese incense burner for home, altar, or tea ceremony use
• Modern Use: Decorative shelf accent in Japandi or wabi-sabi styling; display piece with tealight for lattice shadow effect; miniature vessel for air plant or dried botanicals
• Features: Square open top with unglazed brown rim; barrel-form body with reticulated lattice openwork panels on all sides; painted sometsuke motifs including feather borders, dot bands, and small figural details; flared footed base; metal interior insert; hand-painted throughout
• Dimensions: 2 1/4"W x 2 1/4"D x 4 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully handcrafted piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- equally at home on a collector's shelf or as a refined living room accent in any modern interior.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.