Item Description A three-legged bronze incense burner by Takaoka-born metalwork artist Murata Hiroshi (born 1936). The rounded lid features densely cast cloud-and-whorl motifs, three openwork apertures to allow incense smoke to escape, and a finial in the form of a seated boy figure. A pair of beast-head handles adorns the shoulders, and an elaborately cast relief band depicting playing children encircles the body. Each of the three slender, outward-flaring legs bears a mask-like face. The surface displays a calm, dark patina overall, with warm reddish-brown tones visible on the relief sections. A wooden box is included. An inscription in ink on the box states that the piece was made as a wedding commemorative gift, dated 10 December 1989 (Heisei 1). Size Height: 16 cm Width: 15.5 cm Depth: 12 cm Weight 835 g Artist Profile Murata Hiroshi was born in 1936 in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. He is a metalwork and cast-bronze artist who carries on the traditional techniques of Takaoka copperware. He studied under a councillor of the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) and learned the craft of model-making for metal art. Known for his delicate decorative expression, he produces vases, incense burners, bronze ornaments, and more. In 1952 he joined the Takaoka City Metal Technology Guidance Center, where he provided instruction in casting techniques and design to the copperware industry. In 1958 he won the Takaoka Mayor's Prize at the Takaoka City Art Exhibition, made his debut selection into the Nitten, and was subsequently selected a further six times. In 1964 he was first selected for the Japan Contemporary Craft Art Exhibition, and was selected on multiple further occasions thereafter. He left the Guidance Center in 1968. In 1983 he served as the responsible person for the metalwork fittings of the miniature Mikurumayama float at the Takaoka City Local Industry Center. Condition The piece is in good condition, with natural age-related patina and light signs of use (minor greenish deposits on the lid and finial). No significant damage is visible within the scope of the photographs. Please refer to the photographs for details. Additional Information Artist: Murata Hiroshi Material: Bronze Type: Three-legged incense burner with openwork lid Accessories: Wooden box with ink inscription commemorating a wedding (dated 10 December 1989, Heisei 1) NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.