Vintage Japanese Koro Incense Burner, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-731

Japanese Koro Incense Burner | Celadon Porcelain Altar Piece & Living Room Accent, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-731

A serene celadon koro with a pierced brass lid and signed tomobako -- a refined piece of Japanese incense culture.

A koro is a traditional Japanese incense burner, used in Buddhist ritual, the tea ceremony, and the refined practice of kodo -- the art of appreciating fragrant wood. This compact example is beautifully rendered in a smooth celadon glaze, the pale jade-green tone evoking the classic Chinese longquan tradition that deeply influenced Japanese ceramic aesthetics. The rounded, bulbous body rests on three small feet with unglazed brown tips, a design rooted in ancient bronze censer forms. A wide flanged rim supports a domed brass lid, hand-engraved with chrysanthemum and floral motifs and pierced with shaped cutouts to allow incense smoke to drift gently upward. The pairing of cool celadon porcelain and warm aged brass gives this piece an elegant, meditative quality typical of fine Japanese antique ceramics. Notably, it comes with its original signed tomobako -- a fitted wooden storage box with calligraphic inscription -- a mark of quality and collector provenance rarely seen with pieces of this scale.

This handcrafted Japanese koro is equally at home on a modern shelf as it was on a tokonoma altar. Use it as a functioning incense burner to bring a wabi-sabi aesthetic and calming ritual to a meditation corner, home office, or bedroom. Displayed without incense, its sculptural silhouette and celadon glaze make it a striking living room accent or desk ornament in Japandi-style interiors. It also makes a thoughtful and unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone drawn to Japanese ceramics and mindful living.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Celadon-glazed porcelain body; pierced and engraved brass lid; unglazed feet tips
• Use: Koro -- traditional Japanese incense burner for Buddhist altar, tea ceremony, or kodo practice
• Modern Use: Functioning incense burner for a meditation space or bedroom; decorative desk or shelf accent in Japandi or minimalist decor; unique gift for collectors of Japanese ceramics
• Features: Smooth celadon glaze in pale jade-green; bulbous tripod body with unglazed foot tips; wide flanged rim; domed brass lid with hand-engraved chrysanthemum motifs and shaped pierced cutouts; comes with original signed tomobako (fitted wooden box with calligraphic inscription); palm-sized and portable
• Dimensions: 3 1/2" Diameter x 2 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A quietly beautiful piece of Japanese antique ceramics -- this celadon koro brings centuries of fragrant ritual tradition into any modern home.

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 and antique 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.