A beautifully cast and richly patinated vintage Japanese cast brass incense burner, a kōro, ingeniously modelled as a serene seated Buddha in the Dhyāna Mudrā, the meditation gesture). Combining devotional sculpture with ritual function, this evocative piece dates to the mid-20th century (circa 1955–1970) and retains its original pierced domed cover.
The underside is impressed MADE IN JAPAN, identifying it as an export piece produced during Japan’s post-war revival of traditional metalworking. It was almost certainly cast in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, Japan’s foremost centre for bronze and brass Buddhist sculpture for over four centuries.
The Buddha is depicted with the classical attributes of Shakyamuni, the Historical Buddha. Tightly curled hair, elongated earlobes, urna to the forehead and flowing monastic robes. The hands, concealed behind the integral censer, are arranged in the Dhyāna Mudrā, symbolising meditation, inner tranquillity and the attainment of enlightenment. An especially fitting iconography for an incense burner intended to accompany prayer and contemplation.
Positioned before the Buddha is a finely modelled three-legged kōro, decorated with a stylised Hō-ō , a Japanese Phoenix, beneath a traditional Greek-key border. In Japanese Buddhist symbolism, the phoenix represents peace, renewal, wisdom and the triumph of virtue.
Originally intended for use upon a household Buddhist altar , a butsudan, the censer would have been filled with ash into which incense sticks or cones were placed. As fragrant smoke drifted upwards through the pierced lid, it created a symbolic offering to the Buddha while purifying the surrounding space for meditation, prayer and remembrance of ancestors.
The cast brass has acquired a mellow, naturally aged patina, with gentle rubbing to the original lacquered finish that speaks of decades of careful use and enhances its devotional character. The original lid fits securely, and the interior shows the expected signs of use from burning incense.
This is a charming and atmospheric example of mid-century Japanese Buddhist craftsmanship, combining sculptural elegance with genuine ritual purpose. An excellent addition to a collection of Japanese art, Buddhist devotional objects, Asian metalwork or meditation room furnishings.
Height: 13.5 cms. Width: 13 cms. Depth: 11 cms. Weight: 0.635 Kgs.
Price: £95.00.
Postage: £8.00. UK mainland dispatch by Royal Mail 2nd Class Signed For courier service. For overseas dispatch, please contact seller, or refer to details of eBay's GSP, Global Shipping Programme, by clicking on SEE DETAILS in the postage section under the BUY IT NOW button.
SKU number: 13100.
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