Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Japanese Satsuma Pottery Koro to the 19th Century.
The lion is not a casual decorative detail, but a carefully sculpted, fully three-dimensional miniature sculpture with intricate detailing and gold highlights. The pierced lid confirms this is a functioning incense burner, not merely a decorative object.
The body is decorated with complex genre scenes — samurai in combat and courtly assemblies — all rendered in the finest moriage technique with polychrome enamel and lavish use of gold. The surface remains fully intact, with no wear to paint or gilding.
There is a minor firing stress line to one foot, typical of earlier Satsuma wares, and a tiny loss to one tail feather of the shi-shi — both extremely minor and noted for accuracy.
Unsigned, as often with pieces made for the domestic market, but attributable by style and technique to Kyoto Satsuma. Works of this calibre and scale attract strong attention from Japanese collectors looking to repatriate high-quality Meiji-period ceramics.
Dimensions: 34 cm high, 20 cm wide, 16.3 cm deep. Weight: 1858g.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.
Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Japanese Satsuma Pottery Koro to the 19th Century.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page
Kyoto Satsuma Koro with Shi-shi Lion, Meiji C.1895, Museum Quality
