Vintage Japanese Bronze Koro (Incense Burner) with Kingfisher and Basket Form, late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-096

Vintage Japanese Bronze Koro (Incense Burner) with Kingfisher and Basket Form, late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-096

A signed bronze koro sculpted as a woven basket beside a kingfisher perched on bamboo -- a masterwork of Japanese metalcraft presented in its original signed wooden box.

A koro is a traditional Japanese incense burner used in tea ceremony, Buddhist ritual, and refined home settings to carry fragrant smoke as an offering or aesthetic pleasure. This exceptional example -- cast in dark patinated bronze -- takes the form of a round woven basket with a twisted rope handle, set beside a cluster of bamboo stalks upon which a finely detailed kingfisher (kawasemi) perches in a watchful pose. Every surface rewards close inspection: the horizontal weave of the basket body is rendered with extraordinary texture, the braided handle loops convincingly, and the bird's plumage and sharp beak are modeled with the naturalism prized in fine Japanese metalwork. The rich, dark patina deepens to warm brown at the highest relief points, giving the piece a living, organic quality. The work is accompanied by its original wooden presentation box bearing the artist's calligraphy inscription and red seal stamps -- a hallmark of a signed, collectible piece of vintage Japanese craft.

In a modern home, this sculptural koro functions equally well as a statement decorative object and as a working incense burner. Place it on a tokonoma-style shelf, a living room mantle, or a home office desk to introduce the wabi-sabi aesthetic and a quiet, contemplative mood. It makes a striking centerpiece in a Japandi-style interior alongside natural textiles and ceramic vessels. As a gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates fine Japanese metalwork, it arrives with the prestige of its original signed wooden box -- a unique and memorable housewarming gift or collector's acquisition that bridges artisan heritage and contemporary decor.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (late Showa)
• Material: Cast bronze with dark patina; original wooden presentation box with calligraphy inscription and red seal stamps
• Use: Koro -- traditional Japanese incense burner used in tea ceremony, Buddhist ritual, and refined interior settings
• Modern Use: Living room or home office decorative sculpture; working incense burner for meditation or tea ceremony; unique display piece in a Japandi-style or wabi-sabi interior
• Features: Sculptural form depicting a round woven basket with twisted rope handle and bamboo stalks; highly detailed kingfisher figure perched atop the tallest bamboo stem; rich dark patina warming to brown at raised details; signed work with original wooden box bearing artist calligraphy and seal
• Dimensions: 4" Diameter x 3 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A signed, collectible piece of vintage Japanese metalwork -- this bronze koro brings the poetry of nature and the refinement of traditional craft into 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.