Nijō Jōtarō (二上常太郎，1896‑1982) - 香炉 - 黄铜色 - 高浮雕香炉

Title: Cast‑Bronze Incense Burner with High‑Relief Pine‑Bamboo‑Plum, Lion Finial, Three‑Legged, with Original Tomobako
Origin: Takaoka, Japan
Artist: Nijō Jōtarō (二上常太郎, 1896‑1982), art name: Gen‑i (元威)
Dimensions: H 10.5 cm (4.1 in) × Max. Diam. 8.5 cm (3.3 in)
Weight: 524 g
Tomobako (共箱) dimensions: H 13 cm (5.1 in) × W 13 cm (5.1 in) × D 13 cm (5.1 in)
Material: Bronze, crafted by Rōgata‑chōzō (蝋型鋳造 / lost‑wax casting)
Period: Late Shōwa period, c.1965‑1980
Accessories: Original Tomobako, original storage fukusa (袱布)

This is a finely‑executed cast‑bronze incense burner made by the celebrated Takaoka metal craftsman Nijō Jōtarō (Gen‑i 元威). Compact and elegant in form, it is a classic incense‑ceremony vessel of the Shōwa era.
Nijō Jōtarō was one of Takaoka’s leading metal artists, widely known as the “Rōgata‑shi (蝋型師 / Lost‑Wax Master)”. He specialised in Rōgata‑chōzō (蝋型鋳造 / lost‑wax casting). Throughout the Shōwa period he took part in numerous exhibitions and won many awards. He is counted among the most important craftsmen of traditional Takaoka metalwork. His works are admired for deep three‑dimensional high‑relief and intricate, vivid detailing.

The lid carries a powerfully modelled fully‑sculpted lion finial. Open‑work perforations allow incense smoke to escape, combining practical function with visual appeal. Lingzhi‑shaped handles sit on both sides of the body. The rounded belly is richly decorated in high‑relief with the Three Friends of Winter motif: pine, bamboo and plum blossom, together with lingzhi sprigs and ruyi cloud borders. The relief is deep and substantial with smooth, refined lines. Three sculpted feet are modelled as bamboo joints, plum‑tree trunks and lotus bases. Decorative motifs are consistent across the whole piece, merging the solemn bearing of ancient ritual bronzes with the understated refinement suited for Japanese tea rooms.

The entire piece was cast as a single unit using high‑grade Takaoka Rōgata‑chōzō. There are no joins and no sand‑mould casting marks. Over decades the bronze has developed a rich, mellow aged patina with a smooth tactile surface. Suitable for stick incense and coil incense. It makes a premium decorative piece for home interiors, tea rooms, studies and Buddhist altars.

Beneath the base there is a clear square cast positive seal reading “Gen‑i (元威)”. The original Tomobako and storage fukusa are fully preserved.

Outer lid ink inscription：蝋型鋳銅 香爐
Inner lid ink inscription：蝋型師 元威作

Item and box are perfectly matched, original complete set. Clear collecting provenance, excellent collectible value.

Due to its age, the bronze body shows only natural patina, minor aged verdigris and traces of historical use. No cracks, no dents, no repairs. The original wooden box shows normal age‑related wear and dust accumulation. Overall condition is good relative to its age.

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