– Distinguished metalwork by Hasuda Shugoro (1915–2010), decorated with Order of Cultural Merit 1991 – White copper (hakudō) rooster kōro with pierced lid, serene posture, and traditional zodiac symbolism – Compact ceremonial piece: 7 cm height, 345 g, perfect for intimate tea ceremony settings or scholar's desk Summary: This white copper rooster incense burner represents the refined metalwork of Hasuda Shugoro, one of Japan's most celebrated post-war bronze artists and recipient of the Order of Cultural Merit. Created during the Showa era, the kōro features a serene rooster form with a delicately pierced lid, allowing incense smoke to drift gracefully. The piece showcases hakudō—a traditional copper-silver alloy prized for its soft, pewter-like lustre. With excellent condition and compact proportions, this incense burner bridges traditional zodiac symbolism with modernist restraint, appealing to collectors of Japanese metalwork and tea ceremony utensils. There are pieces that inhabit the background of daily life, and pieces that command a pause—a moment of recognition. This white copper rooster incense burner by Hasuda Shugoro belongs firmly to the second category. Resting at just 7 cm tall and weighing 345 grams, it carries a quiet authority disproportionate to its modest scale. Hasuda Shugoro (1915–2010) stands among the titans of twentieth-century Japanese metalwork. Born in Kanazawa, a city renowned for its craft heritage, he spent decades refining the ancient art of bronze casting whilst pushing it towards boldly modernist forms. His achievement was recognised at the highest level: in 1991, he received the Order of Cultural Merit (Bunka Kōrōshō), one of Japan's most prestigious honours. Collectors and institutions worldwide prize his work for its synthesis of technical mastery and sculptural vision. Christie's, Sotheby's, and leading galleries have championed his bronzes, which occupy a unique position between functional object and fine art. This rooster incense burner exemplifies Hasuda's ability to distil traditional motifs into elegant, abstracted forms. The rooster—tori in Japanese, associated with the tenth zodiac sign—has deep cultural resonance in Japan, symbolising vigilance, courage, and the heralding of dawn. Here, the bird sits in a composed posture, its form simplified yet unmistakably avian. The lid, delicately pierced with openwork, allows incense smoke to escape in gentle tendrils, transforming the act of burning incense into a meditative performance. The white copper alloy (hakudō), a traditional Japanese blend of copper with silver or tin, lends the piece a soft, silvery patina that ages beautifully, acquiring character with time and handling. Incense burners occupy a central place in Japanese tea ceremony, Zen practice, and refined domestic rituals. They create atmosphere—both literal and metaphysical—purifying space and marking transitions between the ordinary and the contemplative. This kōro would have been used in chanoyu (tea ceremony) or placed on a scholar's desk, where its presence subtly elevated the surroundings. The compact scale makes it ideal for contemporary interiors: a side table, an altar, a corner of a study where calm is cultivated. In a modern context, this piece speaks to the current appetite for objects that resist disposability. It has weight, both physical and cultural. Placed on a minimalist console or among carefully chosen ceramics, it introduces warmth and narrative. The patina—gentle signs of age and use—adds authenticity. Unlike reproductions, this is a genuine example of twentieth-century Japanese metalwork by a nationally recognised master. It connects directly to a lineage of craft excellence and the post-war flowering of Japanese art. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese metalwork and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1200