Item Description This is a striking Japanese bronze tripod koro (incense burner) crafted in the celebrated Takaoka Dōki tradition of Toyama Prefecture, signed on the underside "宏采" (Kōsai) — the studio name of the noted metalworker Sano Hiroyuki (佐野宏行), a Japan Craft Association member and repeated award-winner at the Japan Traditional Kōgei exhibitions since the late 1960s. The domed, pierced honeycomb lid is topped with a spirited shishi (guardian lion-dog) playfully resting a paw on a brocade ball, its mane, curled tail, and flame-like tufts rendered in crisp, high-relief casting. The bulbous body is divided into alternating reserves of finely chased peony blossoms — a traditional symbol of prosperity and honour — set against a diaper ground, and dense scrolling foliate arabesques, all raised on three elegant cabriole legs with acanthus-carved shoulders. The rich chocolate-brown patina and tight, controlled casting are hallmarks of quality Takaoka bronze work. A refined tabletop censer that would suit a collector of Japanese metalwork, tea-ceremony accessories, or East Asian decorative arts. Size Height: 18 cm Width: 12 cm Depth: 12 cm Weight 859 g / 0.859 kg Condition The piece shows light general wear and surface soiling consistent with age and gentle handling, with the casting and pierced lid structurally intact and no losses noted. Artist Profile Kōsai (Sano Hiroyuki), working in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, is a recognised traditional metal-casting and engraving craftsman within the Takaoka Dōki lineage. Active since the late 1960s, he has been repeatedly honoured at the Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition and the Japan Traditional Kōgei Metalwork Exhibition, was certified a full member of the Japan Craft Association in 1974, and later recognised by the City of Takaoka as a holder of traditional craft techniques. His work is valued for finely detailed relief carving combined with the classic dark bronze patinas of the Takaoka tradition. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.