Takaoka Bronze Incense Burner - Zuiho - Θυμιατό - Μπρούντζος, Χρυσός - Χρυσός χυτός χαλκός

Maker: Zuiho (Takaoka copperware)
Title: Cast-Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Gold Decoration — Rounded Tripod Form, Bird-Form Lid Finial, Green Patina, with Original Signed Box

This is a Japanese cast-bronze incense burner (koro) made in the celebrated Takaoka copperware (Takaoka douki) tradition, signed by the maker Zuiho. It has a rounded, jewel-like body raised on three legs, a pierced domed lid topped with a bird-form finial, and comes complete with its original signed wooden box (tomobako). Its most striking feature is the use of gold, which lifts the piece from a functional burner to a luxurious decorative object.

About the Tradition — Takaoka Copperware
Takaoka copperware originated in 1611, when the second Kaga-domain lord Maeda Toshinaga invited metal casters to the newly built castle town of Takaoka as part of an industrial policy to promote local prosperity. The craft developed around cast bronze (karakane) worked with fine chased metal decoration, producing flower vessels, Buddhist implements, and art castings. By the Meiji era Takaoka metalwork had earned international fame at world expositions such as Paris, and in 1975 it became the first craft in Japan to be designated a National Traditional Craft. Today Takaoka accounts for the overwhelming majority of Japan's copperware production.

The Gold Decoration
The defining feature of this koro is its lavish use of gold. Warm golden tones are applied against the deep green patina of the bronze, and a brilliant gold highlight accents the body, creating a rich contrast that gives the piece a genuinely luxurious presence. The gold catches and reflects the light, framing the form and elevating the burner into a jewel-like work of art. This generous use of gold is highly prized and gives the piece a sense of opulence far beyond an ordinary incense burner.

About the Form
The rounded body sits on three stable legs, and the pierced domed lid — designed to release fragrant smoke — is crowned with a finely modeled bird-form finial, a traditional auspicious motif. The balanced, dignified silhouette makes it equally at home as a working incense burner or as a display piece.

Materials & Technique
Cast bronze (chudou) with a green patinated finish and gold decoration, made using traditional Takaoka casting and metal-finishing techniques.

Condition
In wonderful condition with no chips, cracks, scratches, or damage. A beautiful piece. Please review all photos, which form part of the description.

Appeal
An incense burner of this kind is used to enjoy Japanese incense and also serves beautifully as an interior accent for a tokonoma alcove, tea room, study, or living space. The rich gold decoration makes it especially attractive as a display object and as a distinctive gift. It will appeal to admirers of Japanese metalwork, Takaoka copperware, incense culture, and traditional Japanese craft.

Shipping from Japan with tracking number and insurance. Fast dispatch via FedEx or DHL.
Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges and are the buyer's responsibility. These are normally collected by the delivering carrier or on pickup — please do not confuse them with additional shipping charges.