Title: Japanese Sand-Cast Bronze Rhinoceros Beetle Mini Koro, Kabutomushi (カブトムシ) Motif, with Paulownia Tomobako (共箱) Craft Technique: Traditional sand-cast bronze casting Dimensions: H 3.5 cm (1.38in) × W 11 cm (4.33in) × D 5.5 cm (2.17in) Net Weight: 136 g Tomobako Box Dimensions: H 5.8 cm (2.28in) × W 15.3 cm (6.02in) × D 11.3 cm (4.41in) Material: Solid sand-cast bronze Production Era: Late Shōwa Period, approx. 1970–1990 Included: Paulownia wood tomobako box (共箱), yellow fabric lining This small bronze incense koro (香炉) is a decorative item for Japanese kōdō (香道), crafted via one-piece sand casting. The bronze is covered in an aged dark brown natural patina, with patches of original grey-green oxidation visible locally. It adopts classic Japanese bronze casting craft and is a niche oriental kōdō collectible. The rhinoceros beetle, known as Kabutomushi (カブトムシ) in Japan, is a classic auspicious insect motif symbolizing vitality and good fortune. It combines ornamental display value with practical incense burning function, ideal for tea room and study desk display, and suitable for collections focused on modern Japanese metalwork. The whole piece features a realistic sculptural rhinoceros beetle form with vivid lifelike posture and delicate soft carved lines. Its signature long frontal horn, dorsal spikes, segmented six limbs and shell textures are all formed in a single sand casting process, presenting layered, full and finely rendered details. The dorsal elytron acts as a hinged lid that opens smoothly; lifting it reveals a hollow inner cavity for holding coil incense. The casting is solid and weighty with a satisfying substantial heft when held in hand. A square seal script workshop mark is integrally cast on the underside of the beetle’s head. Details of the characters are obscured by thick aged patina and long-term oxidation, making the inscription hard to fully distinguish. This koro is supplied with a paulownia wood tomobako box (共箱) and yellow fabric lining. Over decades, natural oxidised rust patina and minor wear marks have formed across the bronze surface. There are no cracks, bent limbs or restorations on the body; overall condition is good relative to its age. Shipping Notice Due to service adjustments, Taiwan Post EMS will suspend parcel deliveries to the following countries effective 10 March 2026: United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Israel, Pakistan, Maldives, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Greece, Egypt, Morocco. Bidders residing in the above regions are kindly requested not to place bids. Note: Delivery to Italy takes approximately 6–7 days. Customs or courier staff may contact you to complete clearance procedures. Please reply promptly, or the parcel may be returned to sender. Clearance enquiry email: dogane.malpensa.urp@agenziadogane.it Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. - The photographs form part of the item description. Minor colour difference may exist between the bronze koro and images due to camera hardware and screen display settings. - The successful bidder will be responsible for any customs duties and taxes (if applicable). - This item will be mailed by the postal service of Taiwan in the form of airmail with insurance attached.