Japanese Kutani Porcelain Square Kōro (Incense Burner), Seal Mark "Kutani Shōkaku" 九谷松鶴, with Wooden Box A Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner (kōro) of square section, standing on four bracket feet. Taishō to Shōwa period (1910-1960). Each side is a white panel inscribed in black with classical Japanese poetry in the rare and extremely difficult saiji micro calligraphy 毛筆細字. Two opposite sides carry longer passages of prose and poetry in closely spaced columns. The other two each carry a single poem in larger script over bands of sprayed gold. The calligraphy is carefully and fluently brushed, and the four panels together give the piece a quiet, literary character. The shoulder is painted in iron red with gilt scrolling clouds. The lower edge has a gilt key-fret border, and the feet are finished in iron red with gold dots. This red-and-gold scheme, known as akae kinrande, is closely associated with Kutani. The lid sits within a recessed square. It is pierced with two openings for the smoke and topped by a finely modelled gilt handle in the form of a flower with a bud and leaves. The base bears an iron-red square seal mark reading Kutani Shōkaku (九谷 松鶴). The pine and crane of the name are traditional emblems of long life. Kōro were used in the home and in the incense ceremony (kōdō). This example, with its calligraphy panels in place of the more usual figural or floral decoration, is an unusual and well-composed example of the form. Dimensions: Kōro: approximate height : 6.5 x 6.5 x 10 Box: 10 × 10 × 10 cm. Condition: Good condition. Some light wear to the gilding, mainly along the upper rim and edges. A small area of colour wear at one upper corner. Minor firing specks and light surface marks to the unglazed feet, consistent with age. No cracks or restoration observed. Please refer to the photographs, which form part of the description.