Vintage Japanese Porcelain Koro (Incense Burner), Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0595

Vintage Japanese Porcelain Koro (Incense Burner), Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0595

A signed Mid Showa porcelain koro with gold-leafed interior, vented dome lid, and gold-and-silver lotus motif -- offered with its original tomobako storage box.

A koro is a traditional Japanese incense burner used in ritual, ceremonial, and aesthetic contexts to diffuse fragrant smoke through a vented lid. This handsomely crafted example features a cylindrical porcelain body finished in a deep oxblood-red glaze, its outer surface decorated in a lush maki-e-style composition of lotus leaves, seed pods, and blossoms rendered in burnished gold and soft silver tones. The domed lid sits neatly atop the body and is pierced with slot openings to allow incense smoke to rise freely -- a defining feature of the koro form. The interior is lined in brilliant gold, adding a note of quiet opulence. The base bears a signed inscription, and the piece is accompanied by a handsome kiri wood tomobako with a brushed ink title inscription, confirming its status as a named, attributed work. This is a fine example of mid-century Japanese ceramic craft that sits comfortably within the tradition of vintage Japanese decorative arts.

Today, this koro translates effortlessly into a modern home as a striking living room accent or shelf display piece. Its rich oxblood-and-gold palette pairs beautifully with wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors, Japandi style arrangements, or any space that benefits from a touch of handcrafted Japanese elegance. Placed on a bookshelf, tokonoma alcove, or meditation corner, it draws the eye with quiet authority. It would also make a memorable gift for collectors of Japanese vintage ceramics or for Japanophiles seeking an authenticated, signed work with provenance. The included tomobako adds collector value and makes presentation effortless.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Porcelain with deep oxblood overglaze, gold-leafed interior, maki-e-style gold and silver painted decoration; kiri wood tomobako
• Use: Koro -- Japanese incense burner for ceremonial or aesthetic use
• Modern Use: Living room decorative accent; shelf or tokonoma display; gift for collectors of Japanese vintage ceramics
• Features: Cylindrical body with vented dome lid; slot openings for incense smoke; lotus leaf and seed pod motif in gold and silver tones; brilliant gold-leafed interior; small floral medallion accents on lid; signed on base; includes original tomobako with brushed ink inscription
• Dimensions: 3 1/2"Diameter x 3 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A signed and attributed piece of vintage Japanese ceramic craft -- richly decorated, intimately scaled, and ready to bring warmth and cultural depth to 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.