A spherical form where intricate geometric patterns create a meditative presence through repetition and rhythm. Description: This covered incense burner presents a distinctive spherical body elevated on three short feet, with a fitted domed lid crowned by a cylindrical finial. The entire surface is adorned with a shippo-mon pattern—a traditional interlocking circle motif—rendered in blue and green with white accents. Each circular element contains a small diamond-shaped green center, creating a complex visual lattice across the rounded form. The pattern is executed with precise hand-painting, with the blue outlines defining the circular framework and green filling the diamond centers. The white ground provides crisp contrast, allowing the geometric composition to read clearly from every angle. The decorative scheme continues seamlessly across both the body and lid, demonstrating careful planning and execution to maintain pattern alignment. The lid features three pierced openings in triangular form, allowing fragrant smoke to escape while the vessel is in use. These functional apertures are integrated into the overall design without disrupting the decorative flow. The finial repeats the blue decoration on a smaller scale, maintaining visual coherence. The interior shows a pale celadon glaze, while the base reveals three white feet supporting the rounded body. Cultural & Art Context: The shippo pattern, named for the Seven Treasures of Buddhism, has been cherished in Japanese decorative arts for centuries. The combination of underglaze blue painting with overglaze enamel decoration represents a sophisticated ceramic technique that developed during the Edo period and continued through modern times in Arita. Covered incense burners of this form have long served both ritual and aesthetic functions in Japanese interiors, appreciated for their ability to diffuse fragrance while serving as contemplative objects. The Arita tradition emphasizes technical precision in hand-painted geometric patterns, a hallmark of the region's four-century ceramic heritage. Collector Appeal: Porcelain incense burners from Arita featuring traditional geometric patterns offer collectors examples of skilled hand-painting and functional elegance. The piece comes with its original wooden storage box (tomobako), providing authentication and adding provenance value for the international market. Dimensions: Width: 12.1 cm Height: 12.5 cm Weight: 470 g Condition: No chips, cracks or restorations. Artist Profile: Murakami Genki I (初代村上玄輝), born Teruhiko Murakami (村上輝彦) in 1931, established Genki Tobo (Genki Pottery Studio) in 1975 in Arita, Saga Prefecture at the age of 44. He adopted the artistic name "Genki" for his ceramic works. In 1977, his eldest son Toshihiko joined the studio at age 18 to train in depicting flowers, birds, landscapes, and figures. In 1980, his second son Kunihiko entered the workshop at age 19, developing a particular interest in geometric patterns. The studio gained recognition through exhibitions at major department stores, beginning with Kintetsu Department Store Uehonmachi in 1978. In 1987, a dedicated gallery "Gallery Gen" opened in Tokyo's Shibuya. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Murakami Genki exhibited regularly at prestigious venues including Ginza Signus Hall and various Kintetsu locations in Kashihara, Abeno, and Nara. Following Murakami Genki I's passing in December 2009, his sons Toshihiko and Kunihiko inherited the studio. After a four-year period of developing their individual styles (2009-2013), they began presenting joint exhibitions in 2013, continuing the Genki Tobo legacy while each maintaining distinct artistic directions—Toshihiko with figurative subjects and Kunihiko with geometric designs. The studio has since participated in prestigious events including the 2016 Arita 400th Anniversary exhibitions and collaborations with Lladró. Additional Notes Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the item description. Shipping Information All items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post, depending on the destination. Each piece is packed with great care using professional materials suitable for fine art shipping. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. We cannot under-declare item values or mark shipments as gifts. Import Duties & Taxes Import duties, VAT, and any additional customs or processing fees are not included in the auction price. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your local customs office for details before bidding. Customs Communication Customs or the shipping carrier may contact you for additional information (such as ID verification or payment of duties). Please respond promptly to avoid delays or returns. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.