{"product_id":"rare-japanese-antique-kutani-ware-koro-incense-burner-with-wooden-box","title":"Rare Japanese Antique Kutani Ware Koro Incense Burner with Wooden Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover a beautiful example of mid-century Japanese ceramic artistry with this rare vintage Kutani ware koro (香炉) incense burner, dating to approximately the 1940s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis elegant piece features an exceptionally colorful decorative surface, combining deep red, turquoise blue, green, white, and gold-toned detailing with intricate floral and scrolling motifs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe central decoration features a large stylized floral composition surrounded by carefully painted patterns, while the domed cover is decorated with radiating petal-like sections and topped with a small finial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe form is characteristic of a traditional Japanese koro, a decorative incense burner designed to hold incense. Japanese incense burners were traditionally used not only for fragrance but also as decorative objects, including in the tokonoma alcove of traditional interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe richly decorated surface reflects the long Japanese tradition of Kutani ceramics. Kutani ware originated in Ishikawa Prefecture and is particularly recognized for elaborate, colorful decoration and overglaze painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular piece was sourced from a Japanese Antique Auction and has been preserved together with a wooden storage\/display box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportant Box Information\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wooden box shown in the photographs is included, but it is NOT the original box for this koro.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe box is an older Japanese wooden storage box and adds to the presentation of the piece, but it should not be represented as the original signed tomobako belonging to the incense burner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduct Highlights\u003cbr\u003eRare vintage Japanese Kutani ware koro\u003cbr\u003eApproximately 1940s \/ early Shōwa Era\u003cbr\u003eTraditional Japanese incense burner form\u003cbr\u003eBeautiful multicolor overglaze decoration\u003cbr\u003eRed, turquoise, green, white and gold-toned details\u003cbr\u003eIntricate floral and scrolling motifs\u003cbr\u003eDecorative domed cover with finial\u003cbr\u003eJapanese ceramic craftsmanship\u003cbr\u003eSourced from a Japanese Antique Auction\u003cbr\u003eIncludes an older Japanese wooden storage box\u003cbr\u003eWooden box is NOT the original box\u003cbr\u003eExcellent collectible for Japanese ceramic enthusiasts\u003cbr\u003eBeautiful display piece for a tokonoma-inspired interior, cabinet, or collection\u003cbr\u003eCondition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood vintage condition with age-related character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ceramic body retains its beautiful colorful decoration and overall attractive appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs expected from a Japanese ceramic piece dating to approximately the 1940s, there may be minor surface scratches, small marks, slight discoloration, age-related wear, and tiny imperfections in the glaze or painted decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe photographs show the actual condition of the piece and should be carefully reviewed before purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wooden box is also vintage and shows considerable age, handling marks, discoloration, surface wear, and natural aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportant:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wooden box included with this item is NOT the original box belonging to the koro. It is being included as an older Japanese storage\/display box only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Information\u003cbr\u003eWhat Is a Japanese Koro?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA koro (香炉) is a traditional Japanese incense burner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe word is commonly used for ceramic, metal, or lacquered vessels designed to hold incense. Many Japanese koro feature a removable cover with openings that allow fragrant smoke to escape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical Japanese incense burners could be both functional objects and works of art, and finely decorated examples were often displayed prominently within traditional interiors. The Met notes that Japanese incense burners were used to scent rooms and could also serve as decorative artworks in the tokonoma alcove.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKutani Ware\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKutani-yaki (九谷焼) is one of Japan's best-known decorative ceramic traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tradition originated in Ishikawa Prefecture and is especially recognized for richly decorated surfaces and vivid colors. Kutani ceramics are often distinguished by elaborate painted compositions using strong colors such as red, green, yellow, blue, and purple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuseum collections also contain Japanese incense burners decorated in the Kutani style with polychrome enamels and gold, demonstrating the long association between Kutani-type decoration and koro forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecorative Design\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe decoration on this koro is particularly attractive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe body features a large central floral design surrounded by:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStylized flowers\u003cbr\u003eCurving botanical forms\u003cbr\u003eGeometric borders\u003cbr\u003eRepeating circular patterns\u003cbr\u003eTurquoise and green accents\u003cbr\u003eRed and gold-toned detailing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe domed cover continues the decorative theme with radiating petal-like elements, creating a pleasing contrast between the rounded lid and cylindrical body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShōwa-Era Japanese Art\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf dated to approximately the 1940s as supplied, this piece belongs to the early Shōwa period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt represents a period when traditional Japanese decorative arts continued to incorporate established ceramic painting techniques while adapting them for changing domestic and collector markets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts compact size and elaborate decoration make it particularly suitable for display rather than simply being treated as an everyday household object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications\u003cbr\u003eDetail    Information\u003cbr\u003eOrigin    Japan\u003cbr\u003ePeriod    Approximately 1940s\u003cbr\u003eEra    Shōwa Era\u003cbr\u003eType    Koro \/ Incense Burner\u003cbr\u003eJapanese Term    香炉 (Kōro)\u003cbr\u003eStyle    Kutani Ware\u003cbr\u003eMaterial    Japanese ceramic \/ porcelain\u003cbr\u003eDecoration    Multicolor overglaze decoration\u003cbr\u003eColors    Red, green, turquoise, white \u0026amp; gold tones\u003cbr\u003eCover    Removable decorative lid\u003cbr\u003eBox    Older Japanese wooden box included\u003cbr\u003eBox Originality    Not original to the koro\u003cbr\u003eSource    Japanese Antique Auction\u003cbr\u003eCondition    Good vintage condition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: Please refer to the photographs for size and scale, as exact measurements were not provided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📢 Important Shipping Policy Update\u003cbr\u003eTo ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.\u003cbr\u003eOrders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📦 Condition\u003cbr\u003ePlease review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Timeless Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59754488627486,"sku":"UU19","price":212.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/3998\/6462\/files\/RareJapaneseAntiqueKutaniWareKoroIncenseBurner1.jpg?v=1786324196","url":"https:\/\/www.realtimelessvintage.com\/products\/rare-japanese-antique-kutani-ware-koro-incense-burner-with-wooden-box","provider":"Real Timeless Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}