Incense burner - Bronze - Meiji Period

Meiji-period bronze incense burner (Koro) finely inlaid with silver and copper featuring a monkey - Japan, late 19th century.
Refined and enchanting Meiji-era incense burner (koro) or censer for ash (1868–1912), made of bronze with rich inlaid work in polychrome metals.
The piece stands out for its high artistic quality and the meticulous detail typical of Japan's golden age of metalwork, aimed at Western collectors.
The two side handles are finely fashioned in the shape of elephant heads, while the base rests on three feet decorated with guardian lion masks (Shishi).
The lid is topped by a charming full-round sculpture depicting a seated monkey (Saru), a symbol of wisdom and protection in Japanese tradition.
It retains its rare original inner liner in dark metal, used at the time to hold the ashes and protect the gilded exterior from heat.
Given its age, it presents a splendid natural vintage patina with minimal signs of wear consistent with the object's antiquity (see photos for details). No obvious invasive restoration.
Height 14.5 cm
Width 12.5 cm
Depth 10 cm
Weight 600 g.