Incense burner - Copper - Copper Incense Burner

A Three-Legged Copper Incense Burner Crafted by "Seihō," a Master Copper Caster from Takaoka, Japan

The body of the burner is crafted from copper and adorned with a golden sixteen-petal chrysanthemum—the official family crest of the Japanese Emperor and Imperial Family. The lid features openwork carving depicting the *Seigaiha* motif, while the three legs are tall and elegantly tapered. The piece as a whole exhibits a rich, deep black-copper patina that feels both lustrous and substantial; it comes complete with its original wooden presentation box.

The golden sixteen-petal chrysanthemum serves as the official crest of the Japanese Emperor and the Imperial Family—a symbol of status equivalent to Japan's "National Emblem." Following the Meiji Restoration, its usage was officially restricted to the Imperial Family alone, prohibiting ordinary families from adopting it at will. When featured on an incense burner such as this, the emblem typically serves as a design tribute, signifying the object's elevated status and unique provenance. Commonly found in high-end artisanal works—such as Takaoka bronzeware—this motif stands as a dual testament to both social prestige and exceptional craftsmanship.