Accession Number
2005/1.477A&B

Title
Incense Burner with Lid

Artist(s)
Japanese

Artist Nationality
Japanese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
18th century - 19th century

Medium & Support
brass

Dimensions
14 in x 6 ½ in x 3 ¾ in (35.56 cm x 16.51 cm x 9.53 cm);9 15/16 in x 6 ½ in x 3 ¾ in (25.24 cm x 16.51 cm x 9.53 cm);4 1/16 in x 2 1/16 in x 2 1/16 in (10.32 cm x 5.24 cm x 5.24 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Robert Jameson

Label copy
Incense burner with lid
Japan
Meiji period (1868–1912)
19th century
Brass
Gift of Robert Jameson, 2005/1.477
This incense burner demonstrates the dramatic change in metalworking
production that occurred during the Meiji period (1868–1912)—a time of
intense and rapid Westernization in Japan. It was produced by highly skilled
metalworkers in response to a new desire for objects with Japanese themes
and motifs that reflected Western European styles, specifically the elaborate
ornamentation of high Victorian period (1837–1901) decorative arts.
The bowl depicts a dragon in silver inlay, along with gilded images of a vase,
conch shell, and fan, all surrounded by wisps of cloud. Dragons coil around
the three legs supporting the brazier, which in turn stands upon a two-
tiered hexagonal base with cloud-like fins rippling down the six legs. The
entire work is topped with a domed lid with an image of a kirin, a hooved
mythological creature symbolic of prosperity.

Primary Object Classification
Metalwork

Primary Object Type
incense burner

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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