About the Works Artist: Tsunetaro Futagami 二上常太郎 (1896 — 1982) Title of work: Qilin and Dragon Censer in German Silver This incense burner, titled “ Qilin and Dragon Censer in German Silver”, is believed to have been crafted by Futagami Tsunetaro in finely worked and richly decorated German silver. It is a superb example that represents the quintessence of Japanese metal art in the first half of the twentieth century, where spirituality and technical beauty are fused in a single outstanding work of craftsmanship. The body has a weighty presence and is magnificently composed with beasts derived from East Asian mythology. At the top of the lid, a sacred guardian beast, the kirin, is rendered in finely detailed sculpture, beneath which a pierced dome is arranged to allow the incense smoke to rise. Since ancient times the kirin has been regarded as a symbol of good omens, compassion, and wisdom, and it holds an important position in the mythologies of Japan and China. Around the body, a single dragon coils in a highly dynamic pose, with the powerful pattern of its scales and its flame‑like whiskers expressed in meticulous detail. The dragon is an emblem of the emperor and is revered as a being that embodies the powers of the heavens. On both sides, phoenixes are shown flying with wings outspread, serving as symbols of rebirth and peace that bring visual balance to the whole. Every detail is executed with great care, reflecting the artist’s high level of technical mastery.　 The three spiral‑shaped legs are decorated with cloud motifs, giving the entire piece a sense of levitation and spiritual uplift. Traditional metalworking techniques such as hammering, chasing, and casting are employed on the surface, creating a rich play of light and shadow. On the underside is the engraved inscription which attests to the authenticity of the work. Uniting its function as an incense burner with high artistic quality, this piece is a precious object that conveys the tradition and spirituality of Japanese metal art to the present day. Size Width: 16.5cm Depth: 15.5cm Height: 18.5cm Weight: 1,693g About the Artist Tsunetaro Futagami (born 1896), who studied under the previous master Gen’ei from a young age, was a renowned wax mold (ro-gata) bronze artist from Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, a region celebrated for its traditional crafts. Over a career spanning more than 60 years, Futagami devoted himself to the art of copperware, earning high praise for his technical mastery and the refined elegance and dignity of his works. His creations, including vases, incense burners, and Buddhist altarware, are admired for their exquisite detail and captivating presence, and he is regarded within the industry as a craftsman of "living national treasure" caliber. Futagami developed his own unique approach to the ro-gata (wax mold) casting technique. In this process, the artist first creates a core for the hollow part of the piece, then shapes the exterior with a mixture of beeswax and pine resin. The surface is coated with clay and allowed to dry; heating the mold melts away the wax, leaving a cavity that is then filled with molten metal. Once cooled, the mold is broken away, revealing the finished work. This method allows for exceptionally intricate and delicate expressions in bronze art. Futagami began his own studio at age 17, and received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Gold Prize at the 1923 Japan Railway Commemorative Exposition, selection at the Japan Commerce and Industry Exhibition in 1930, and the Distinguished Service Award of Takaoka City in 1967. In 1975, he was officially recognized as a traditional craft and industry technique holder by Takaoka City, and in 1977 received further honors from the city. Tsunetaro Futagami’s works remain highly sought after by collectors for their powerful yet graceful forms, technical excellence, and embodiment of the Takaoka tradition. Awards 1923: Gold Prize at the Ura-Nihon Railway Commemorative Exposition 1930: Accepted for the Japan Industrial and Commercial Exhibition (selected several times in subsequent years) 1975: Awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays (Kun-Goto Zuiho-sho) 1977: Honored as a Distinguished Citizen of Takaoka City Appearance Please see photos for details. Shipping Information Items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. Please note that we are unable to under-declare the value of an item or mark it as a gift for shipping purposes. Obligations of the importer Import duties, taxes and fees are not included in the bid price or shipping charges. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be before bidding or purchasing. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.