Tanaka Moriyoshi (田中守義) - Censer - Bronze - Three‑Turtle Bronze Koro

Title: Cast‑Bronze Three‑Turtle Koro (三亀香炉)
Artist: Tanaka Moriyoshi (田中守義)
Dimensions: H 8.5 cm (3.3 in) × W 24.5 cm (9.6 in) × D 11.8 cm (4.6 in)
Weight: 861 g
Material: Bronze, lost‑wax casting
Period: Early‑Shōwa era, circa 1920‑1940

This ingenious three‑turtle censer is a fine bronze work cast via the lost‑wax method by the skilled Kyoto bronze caster Tanaka Moriyoshi of the early‑Shōwa period. It is a representative animal‑form censer of the Shōwa era, combining practical function and decorative appeal.

Tanaka Moriyoshi was a Kyoto‑based bronze craftsman active in early‑Shōwa Japan. The carved mark “Heian (平安)” indicates its Kyoto origin. He specialised in lost‑wax casting of three‑dimensional animal figures. His works follow a realistic style with accurate proportions, finely carved textures and vivid animal expressions.

The censer adopts a classic auspicious motif: one mother turtle together with two young turtles, with no male turtle within the composition, symbolising enduring family prosperity. The large mother‑turtle forms the main body of the censer with a solid, rounded shape. One juvenile turtle serves as a fully removable lid; open‑work holes on the lid allow smoke to escape, balancing artistry and practicality. The second young turtle is integrally cast onto the mother turtle’s shell in a lively posture. The whole piece is richly carved with tortoise‑shell scales, limbs and skin folds with crisp outlines, demonstrating solid casting skill.

In Japanese tradition, sacred turtles stand for longevity and thriving descendants. The work carries the solemn aura of ancient Japanese metalware, alongside restrained wabi‑sabi aesthetics suited for tea‑room display.

Fully cast by the traditional lost‑wax technique, without joints or post‑cast welding traces. The bronze has developed a mellow, aged patina. It can be used for coil‑incense burning, and also serves as a high‑grade display piece for home, tea room, study or altar.

Manually carved signature on the side wall: workshop mark “Heian (平安)” and artist mark “Tanaka Moriyoshi koku (田中守義 刻)”.

Due to age, it bears natural mellow patina with scattered verdigris and traces of wear. No cracks, no losses, no repairs. Overall condition is good for its age.

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