Vintage Japanese Kutani-style porcelain koro (incense burner), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0313-2

Vintage Japanese Kutani-style porcelain koro (incense burner), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0313-2

A Kutani-style porcelain koro with shishi finial, iron-red overglaze enamels, and a boldly paneled hexagonal body -- a striking piece of vintage Japanese ceramic craft.

A koro is a traditional Japanese incense burner used in domestic interiors, Buddhist altars, and formal reception rooms to burn koh (incense) as an offering or to perfume the air. This example is rendered in the Kutani-influenced style, featuring vivid iron-red and gilt overglaze enamels applied over a white porcelain body -- a decorative vocabulary long associated with the Kutani kilns of Ishikawa Prefecture. The hexagonal body is set on short stump feet and flanked by a pair of flat upswept ear handles, giving the form an authoritative, architectural presence. Each face of the body is divided into paneled reserves alternating between densely patterned grounds -- wave scales (seigaiha), diaper lattice, and scrolling clouds rendered in rich terracotta red and gold -- and open white reserves painted with shishi (lion-dogs) at play, a motif traditionally associated with auspiciousness and protective energy. The removable domed lid repeats the geometric ground patterns and is pierced with a shaped vent opening to release incense smoke; it is crowned by a hand-modeled shishi finial clutching a red tama ball, painted with the same lively iron-red brushwork as the body. The unglazed hexagonal foot ring, clearly visible when inverted, is consistent with Kutani-style firing practices of the Showa period.

Today this compact and characterful koro makes a superb living room accent or home altar focal point for collectors drawn to vintage Japanese ceramics and the wabi-sabi aesthetic. Displayed on a mantelpiece, bookshelf, or side table, its bold red-and-white palette brings warmth and visual energy to minimalist decor or Japandi-style interiors. It also serves as a distinctive desk ornament or a unique gift for Japanophiles -- the shishi finial alone makes it a conversation piece. For those who still burn incense, it functions exactly as intended, with the pierced lid gently diffusing fragrance into any room.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Porcelain with iron-red and gilt overglaze enamels, Kutani-influenced style
• Use: Incense burner for domestic interiors or Buddhist altar settings
• Modern Use: Living room decorative accent; desk or shelf ornament; functional incense burner
• Features: Hexagonal body on short stump feet; pair of flat upswept ear handles; paneled reserves with shishi, wave-scale, and lattice motifs in iron-red and gold; removable domed lid with pierced vent opening; hand-modeled shishi finial holding a red tama ball; unglazed hexagonal foot ring
• Dimensions: 3 3/4"Diameter x 4 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A vivid example of vintage Japanese porcelain craft -- this Kutani-style koro brings the timeless symbolism of the shishi and the warmth of iron-red enamels 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 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.