1800s Japanese Wooden Koro Incense Burner Maki-e Shell Inlay Antique Box

This is an authentic Japanese antique kōro (香炉) incense burner dating to the Meiji Era (1868–1912), an exceptionally rare example of traditional Japanese craftsmanship sourced directly from a Japanese government antique auction.

Expertly hand-carved from solid hardwood, this elegant incense burner combines multiple traditional Japanese decorative arts, including gold maki-e lacquer work (蒔絵) and mother-of-pearl inlay (螺鈿 / raden).

The rounded body stands gracefully on three hand-carved feet and is crowned with a beautifully pierced lid designed to allow incense smoke to flow gently during ceremonial use.

The exterior is richly decorated with a serene traditional Japanese landscape featuring pine trees, mountains, pavilions, clouds, and flying cranes, symbols deeply associated with longevity, harmony, wisdom, and peace in Japanese culture.

Its deep natural patina, intricate lacquer work, and luminous shell inlay reflect over a century of careful aging, making this a true museum-quality collectible.

Included with the piece is its original signed wooden storage box (Tomobako / 共箱), adding further authenticity, provenance, and collectible value.

This is not a reproduction—this is an original Meiji-period work of art that has survived for over 100 years.

🌟 Highlights

✅ Authentic Meiji Era Japanese kōro (1868–1912)
✅ Hand-carved solid hardwood construction
✅ Traditional gold maki-e lacquer artwork
✅ Genuine mother-of-pearl inlay details
✅ Pierced incense lid for ceremonial smoke flow
✅ Elegant three-legged traditional design
✅ Includes original signed wooden storage box
✅ Beautiful aged patina and natural character
✅ Sourced from Japanese government auction
✅ Rare museum-quality antique over 100 years old

🪔 About Japanese Kōro

Kōro incense burners were highly treasured objects in traditional Japanese homes, temples, and tea ceremonies. During the Meiji period, luxury wooden kōro decorated with maki-e lacquer and raden shell inlay were often commissioned by wealthy families, gifted during important occasions, or displayed in refined tea rooms.

This example beautifully combines wood carving, lacquer artistry, and shell craftsmanship—a level of handmade detail rarely encountered today.

📏 Additional Info About This Item

Material: Solid hardwood, gold maki-e lacquer, mother-of-pearl inlay
Origin: Japan
Era: Meiji Period (1868–1912)
Type: Kōro (香炉 / incense burner)
Includes: Original wooden storage box (Tomobako)
Condition: Excellent antique condition with natural age-related wear, patina, minor imperfections, and signs of authentic use consistent with age

Please examine all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description.

Japanese koro, Meiji incense burner, antique Japanese lacquer, maki-e incense burner, raden shell inlay, Japanese tea ceremony, Buddhist incense burner, Meiji period antique, Japanese altar decor, wabi sabi antique, tomobako collectible, Japan auction antique

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📦 Condition
Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.