Sato Mitsuo - Burner - Bronze - Bird finial cocoon koro
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Description from the seller
Item Description
This work is a cocoon-shaped cast bronze incense burner by Niigata metalsmith Sato Mitsuo. A domed lid featuring four-leaf and circular pierced openings rests atop a rounded body supported by three legs, with gold inlay applied along the rim of each aperture. A band with a silvery, textured finish encircles the widest point of both the lid and the body, forming a striking contrast with the smooth, deep-brown cast bronze surfaces above and below. The lid's finial is fashioned in the form of a bird in flight, with delicate gold lines accentuating the tips of its wings — a refined sculptural expression that speaks to the consummate skill of a master metalsmith.
The base bears a single incised character, "光" (Mitsuo), corresponding to the artist's name, Sato Mitsuo.
This piece is offered as a storehouse discovery from an old family estate and comes with its original wooden box and storage cloth, as shown in the photographs.
Artist Profile
Sato Mitsuo is a full member of the Japan Kogei Association (the Japan Craft Association, a public interest incorporated association representing traditional Japanese crafts), specialising in cast metalwork — in particular, vessels and incense burners in cast bronze and cast shakudo. His works have been exhibited at numerous major exhibitions in Japan, including the Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition from the 56th through the 72nd editions, as well as the East Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition. His cast shakudo vase "Tsutsumu" received the Japan Craft Association President's Award at the 58th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition, and a different version of the same work received the Japan Craft Association Award at the 53rd East Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition. Recent works include "Satoyama — Megumi" (cast shakudo vase), exhibited at the 72nd Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition, and an incense burner of the same title in cast shakudo, exhibited at the 53rd Traditional Kōgei Japan Metalwork Exhibition.
Dimensions
Height: 22 cm
Width: 8 cm
Depth: 8 cm
Weight
785 g
Condition
Signs of age and use consistent with long-term storage in an old family home are present; however, no cracks, losses, or areas of restoration have been identified upon visual inspection.
Additional Information
Materials: Cast bronze (copper alloy) with gold inlay decoration
Place of origin: Japan; the artist is associated with Niigata Prefecture, according to exhibition records
Accessories: Original wooden box and storage cloth (please refer to images)
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Item Description
This work is a cocoon-shaped cast bronze incense burner by Niigata metalsmith Sato Mitsuo. A domed lid featuring four-leaf and circular pierced openings rests atop a rounded body supported by three legs, with gold inlay applied along the rim of each aperture. A band with a silvery, textured finish encircles the widest point of both the lid and the body, forming a striking contrast with the smooth, deep-brown cast bronze surfaces above and below. The lid's finial is fashioned in the form of a bird in flight, with delicate gold lines accentuating the tips of its wings — a refined sculptural expression that speaks to the consummate skill of a master metalsmith.
The base bears a single incised character, "光" (Mitsuo), corresponding to the artist's name, Sato Mitsuo.
This piece is offered as a storehouse discovery from an old family estate and comes with its original wooden box and storage cloth, as shown in the photographs.
Artist Profile
Sato Mitsuo is a full member of the Japan Kogei Association (the Japan Craft Association, a public interest incorporated association representing traditional Japanese crafts), specialising in cast metalwork — in particular, vessels and incense burners in cast bronze and cast shakudo. His works have been exhibited at numerous major exhibitions in Japan, including the Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition from the 56th through the 72nd editions, as well as the East Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition. His cast shakudo vase "Tsutsumu" received the Japan Craft Association President's Award at the 58th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition, and a different version of the same work received the Japan Craft Association Award at the 53rd East Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition. Recent works include "Satoyama — Megumi" (cast shakudo vase), exhibited at the 72nd Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition, and an incense burner of the same title in cast shakudo, exhibited at the 53rd Traditional Kōgei Japan Metalwork Exhibition.
Dimensions
Height: 22 cm
Width: 8 cm
Depth: 8 cm
Weight
785 g
Condition
Signs of age and use consistent with long-term storage in an old family home are present; however, no cracks, losses, or areas of restoration have been identified upon visual inspection.
Additional Information
Materials: Cast bronze (copper alloy) with gold inlay decoration
Place of origin: Japan; the artist is associated with Niigata Prefecture, according to exhibition records
Accessories: Original wooden box and storage cloth (please refer to images)
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Weight
785 g
Title additional information
Bird finial cocoon koro
Number of objects
1
Material
Bronze
Country of origin
Japan
Designer/artist/maker
Sato Mitsuo
Colour
Brown
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
22 cm
Width
8 cm
Depth
8 cm
Estimated period
1900-2000
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