– Crafted by Yamato Tsutomu, a noted contemporary Hagi ceramist – Distinctive gold-enhanced design over classic Hagi clay, height approximately 12.5 cm – Functional incense burner with lid, blending tradition and decorative flair Summary: This elegant incense burner is the work of Yamato Tsutomu, a contemporary potter working in the esteemed Hagi-yaki tradition of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Hagi ware is prized for its soft, porous clay and milky glazes, qualities that have made it a favourite among tea practitioners for over four centuries. Here, Yamato adds a contemporary twist: delicate gold-accented flowing patterns that catch the light and elevate the piece beyond the everyday. Measuring approximately 12.5 cm tall and 11.5 cm in diameter, this lidded burner is equally suited to burning incense during meditation or contemplation, or simply displaying as a sculptural accent in a curated interior. The piece shows light wear consistent with age and gentle use, but remains structurally sound and visually compelling. Not every incense burner invites a second glance. This one does. The soft, sandy clay typical of Hagi ware forms the foundation, while fluid gold-accented decoration animates the surface, suggesting water, clouds, or the passage of time. It is a piece that bridges centuries: rooted in the restrained aesthetics of the tea ceremony, yet confident enough to incorporate decorative flourishes that would have felt bold in an earlier era. Yamato Tsutomu belongs to a generation of Hagi potters who honour tradition without being constrained by it. Hagi-yaki emerged in the late sixteenth century when Korean potters settled in Yamaguchi and began producing wares for the local daimyo and tea masters. The clay of the region – high in feldspar, low in iron – fires to a warm, absorbent body that interacts beautifully with ash-based glazes. Over time, tea and moisture seep into the vessel, subtly altering its colour in a process known as nanabake, or "seven transformations." This responsive quality has made Hagi ware a cherished medium for tea bowls, flower vases, and incense burners alike. Yamato's work respects this lineage while allowing room for personal expression. The gold-accented flowing pattern you see here is applied with a deft hand, adding visual interest without overwhelming the quiet beauty of the base clay. The decoration suggests natural phenomena – perhaps the play of light on water, or wind moving through tall grasses – rendered with the kind of abbreviated brushwork that Japanese aesthetics value so highly. It is enough to catch the eye, but not so much that it dominates. The balance is carefully judged. As an incense burner, this piece is both functional and symbolic. In Japan, the burning of incense accompanies moments of stillness: meditation, tea ceremony, offerings at a household altar. The act of lighting a stick of koh or placing a smouldering coal beneath fragrant wood chips becomes a ritual in itself, marking the transition from the noise of daily life to a quieter, more focused state of mind. The lidded form of this burner allows smoke to escape slowly through a small opening at the top, diffusing the scent gently into the surrounding space. The result is subtle and contemplative, never overpowering. In a contemporary setting, this piece works beautifully as both a functional object and a decorative one. The muted cream and gold palette harmonises with natural materials – wood, linen, stone – while the compact, rounded form lends itself to intimate spaces. Place it on a meditation altar, a bedside table, a bathroom shelf, or a mantelpiece, and it will add a note of calm elegance. Even when not in use, it functions as a sculptural presence, the gold decoration catching ambient light and creating subtle visual interest. Condition is good overall. There are light signs of age and use – minor surface wear, slight variations in the glaze – but no chips, cracks, or structural issues. The lid fits well, the body is sound, and the foot ring is clean. This is a piece that has been used and appreciated, and it carries that gentle patina with grace. For collectors of Japanese ceramics, Hagi ware occupies a special place. It is less dramatic than Oribe, less austere than Bizen, but it offers a quieter, more enduring beauty. Yamato Tsutomu's work is appreciated by those who value this understated eloquence, and his incorporation of gold decoration marks him as a maker willing to push gently at the boundaries of tradition. If you are drawn to ceramics that balance function and beauty, restraint and decoration, this incense burner offers a compelling example of contemporary Hagi craft at its most thoughtful. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese ceramics and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1170