Vintage Japanese Porcelain Koro (Incense Burner), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0325

Vintage Japanese Porcelain Koro (Incense Burner), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0325

A studio porcelain koro of quiet elegance -- pale celadon glaze, pedestal form, and a handwritten letter of provenance included

A koro is a traditional Japanese incense burner used to hold and burn koh (incense) in Buddhist altar settings, ceremonial spaces, and refined interior arrangements. This handcrafted example presents the classic open-bowl-on-pedestal form: a wide, gently flared bowl rises from a cylindrical waist and a rounded foot, all finished in a luminous white porcelain glaze with a soft celadon tint visible in the interior. The unglazed flat foot rim bears an impressed maker's seal, confirming this as a piece by a named studio ceramic artist. A handwritten letter in brushwork script accompanies the piece -- referencing the koro by name and evoking a personal connection to Kinzanji temple -- adding a layer of human history rarely found with vintage Japanese ceramics. The overall aesthetic embodies the wabi-sabi sensibility: restrained, pure in form, and quietly expressive of the maker's hand.

In a modern home, this vintage koro is as versatile as it is beautiful. Displayed on a living room shelf or bedroom altar corner, it works naturally as a cone incense holder or a small decorative accent in a Japandi-style interior. Its compact pedestal silhouette makes it equally compelling as a ring or trinket dish on a vanity or bedside table, or as a sculptural object in a minimalist decor arrangement alongside stones, dried botanicals, or seasonal foliage. Complete with its original wood storage box tied with a purple ribbon and the accompanying provenance letter, this piece makes a distinctive gift for collectors of Japanese vintage ceramics or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese craft with authentic character.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: White porcelain with pale celadon-tinted glaze interior; unglazed foot rim with impressed maker's seal
• Use: Koro -- open incense burner for Buddhist altar or decorative ceremonial use
• Modern Use: Cone incense holder and living room accent; jewelry or trinket dish on a vanity or bedside table; sculptural object in a minimalist or Japandi-style display
• Features: Wide flared bowl on a stepped cylindrical pedestal foot; pale celadon interior glaze; impressed maker's seal on unglazed base; stored in a fitted wood box with purple ribbon ties; handwritten provenance letter included
• Dimensions: 3 3/4"Diameter x 3 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A serene example of vintage Japanese ceramic craft -- pure in form, rich in provenance, and ready to bring a sense of quiet ritual to any modern space.

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.