Horii Koun - Burner - Bronze - Taotie Openwork Lid

Item Description
This is a cast bronze incense burner with a lid, made by 堀井 幸雲 Horii Koun using the techniques of Takaoka copperware from Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. The body is decorated all over with taotie motifs against a dense ground of fine geometric scrolls. This mythical beast design goes back to the Chinese bronzes of the Shang dynasty (around 1600 BC) and was long regarded as a symbol of power and a protection against evil. Both handles end in sculpted animal heads. Vertical flanges run down the sides of the vessel, which stands on a stepped pedestal foot with a further decorative band. The openwork lid is pierced with cloud scrolls and topped with a plain knob. An oval maker's mark is stamped on the underside.

Takaoka copperware began in 1609, when Maeda Toshinaga, lord of the Kaga domain, encouraged the craft. It is one of Japan's three major copperware production centres and has been designated a National Traditional Craft since 1975. Incense burners of this kind have traditionally been used as furnishings in household altars and tokonoma alcoves. They also appeal to collectors of Asian art and Japanese metalwork.

The vessel measures 11 cm in height and 9 cm in mouth diameter. The maximum width across the handles is 12.3 cm. The lot is the burner with its lid, exactly as shown in the photographs. No other accessories are included.

Size
Height: 11 cm
Width: 12.3 cm

Weight
702 g

Condition
Good, clean condition with no notable damage or stains. Fine surface scuffs and a natural, age-appropriate patina are present, as shown in the photographs.

Additional Information
Maker: Horii Koun (signed with a maker's mark)
Origin: Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, Japan
Craft: Takaoka copperware
Material: Cast bronze
Included: Incense burner with lid only