Crane-shaped incense burner - Incense burner (2) - Red-crowned crane - Copper

This pair of incense burners is a handcrafted bronze work by Japanese artisans—a classic piece for the appreciation of the Japanese art of incense, blending the auspicious aesthetics of the crane found in both Chinese and Japanese traditions.

Cast as a single piece from red copper using the traditional Japanese lost-wax method, the cranes feature slender, graceful forms and wings crafted with intricate, double-layered openwork carving. The detachable wing-shaped lids allow for the use of incense powder or sticks, with the smoke drifting gently through the openwork feather patterns to create an atmosphere of refined elegance. Each crane holds an scepter and a fungus in its beak, while its legs are finely detailed with scale patterns, rendered in clean, realistic lines. The base is designed to mimic the gnarled roots of an ancient pine tree, featuring openwork and relief carvings of pine branches that evoke a sense of rugged, steadfast vitality.

In Japanese tea ceremony and *Ikebana* , the crane is a classic, auspicious symbol of longevity; displaying them as a pair signifies good fortune and harmony. With their exquisite and intricate craftsmanship, these burners are rare and highly collectible examples of Japanese bronze incense ware.