What is a Japanese koro incense burner?

A koro is a traditional Japanese vessel designed for burning incense, historically used in religious ceremonies, scholar studios, and tea ceremonies, often featuring cast metalwork or ceramic construction.

What materials and techniques are used to make bronze koros?

Bronze koros are typically crafted using lost-wax casting methods, featuring hand-chased relief details, openwork lids for smoke ventilation, and patinated surface finishes achieved through heat or chemical oxidisation.

How can you identify authentic Meiji period bronze pieces?

Authentic pieces display detailed hand-chasing, natural surface wear along high points, age-appropriate patination, and occasionally cast or incised artisan foundry marks on the underside.

How do you style a Japanese bronze censer in a modern interior?

Position the censer as a focal piece on a mantelpiece, dark wood sideboard, or bookshelf, pairing it alongside simple architectural forms to emphasize its sculpted silhouette.

How should an antique bronze censer be cleaned and maintained?

Dust the surface regularly with a soft brush or dry microfibre cloth, avoiding abrasive chemical cleaners that strip the original patina, and apply microcrystalline wax sparingly to protect against moisture.

for sale €755 $819

£645

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Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

Name: Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1200663
Price: 645 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Marlborough Antiques & Interiors

Description

Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

Code: 13888

Dimensions:W: 14cm (5.5")H: 36.5cm (14.4")D: 21cm (8.3")

£645.00

Approx $864.61, €744.8

Request Delivery Quote

Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial, Japan, Meiji Period (1868–1912) - Currently Stored in Haywards Heath in West Sussex

An impressive Japanese Meiji period bronze incense burner (koro) featuring elaborate naturalistic decoration and a finely modeled animal finial.

The vessel is cast in rich brown patinated bronze and decorated in high relief with birds among flowering branches, a traditional East Asian motif symbolizing harmony, renewal, and prosperity. The sides are flanked by striking branch-form handles with perched birds, extending outward in sculptural form.

The removable cover is surmounted by a finely cast goat figure, standing alert upon a rocky base. In East Asian symbolism the goat represents peace, good fortune, and longevity, making it an auspicious decorative element.

The censer stands on a naturalistic base of large blossoms and foliage supported by stylized feet, further emphasizing the Meiji era fascination with nature and lifelike bronze casting.

Bronzes of this type were produced during the late 19th century when Japanese metalwork reached extraordinary technical refinement, often intended for both domestic use and export to Western collectors.

Origin: Japan

Period: Meiji Period (late 19th century)

Material: Cast bronze with natural patina

Decoration: Birds, flowering branches, floral base

Finial: Sculptural goat

Form: Lidded incense burner (koro)

Condition: Good antique condition with consistent age patina and minor wear appropriate to age.

Physical Dimensions

Height

36.5cm (14.37")

Width

21cm (8.27")

Depth

14cm (5.51")

Declaration

Marlborough Antiques & Interiors has dated this Japanese Bronze Incense Burner to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1200663

Dealers Notes

We are primarily a web based business showing high quality antiques and decorative items in two warehouses in Lambourn Woodlands, Berkshire and Tetbury , Gloucestershire . Within easy reach of M4 Junctions and with a mainline station nearby and good private car parking facilities at all venues. We display the widest variety of antiques at all price levels, including paintings, furniture, fireside pieces and other decorative interior items. Not all our items are at any particular place so please call or email (enquiries@marlboroughantiques.com) or from our Contact page to avoid disappointment. Please view our Terms and conditions if needed at http://www.marlboroughantiques.com/terms.php.

We are very happy to discuss with clients their needs and to provide a sourcing service. We can advise on the acquisition of pieces in all areas of the fine and decorative arts, assisting clients in their search for individual pieces or for a particular item. If you have queries regarding this or any intended purchase please contact us. All items can be delivered either by postal service or by trusted and fully insured couriers; we use both for the UK market and for overseas delivery. Please inquire by email or phone to obtain a quote for delivery options. Items are described as Excellent - A1 Condition no faults, Very Good - very good condition with only very minor cosmetic issues if atall and consistent with age, Good - in good overall condition with some ageing, marks and wear consistent with age.

Description

Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

fig 1. An antique cast bronze Japanese incense burner featuring a goat finial, foliage handles, bird relief panels, and a stepped circular base. — fig 1. Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

Code: 13888

Dimensions:W: 14cm (5.5")H: 36.5cm (14.4")D: 21cm (8.3")

fig 2. An antique cast bronze Japanese incense burner featuring a goat finial, foliage handles, bird relief panels, and a stepped circular base. — fig 2. Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

£645.00

Approx $864.61, €744.8

Request Delivery Quote

“

Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial, Japan, Meiji Period (1868–1912) - Currently Stored in Haywards Heath in West Sussex.

Marlborough Antiques & Interiors

An impressive Japanese Meiji period bronze incense burner (koro) featuring elaborate naturalistic decoration and a finely modeled animal finial.

fig 3. An antique cast bronze Japanese incense burner featuring a goat finial, foliage handles, bird relief panels, and a stepped circular base. — fig 3. Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

The vessel is cast in rich brown patinated bronze and decorated in high relief with birds among flowering branches, a traditional East Asian motif symbolizing harmony, renewal, and prosperity. The sides are flanked by striking branch-form handles with perched birds, extending outward in sculptural form.

fig 4. An antique cast bronze Japanese incense burner featuring a goat finial, foliage handles, bird relief panels, and a stepped circular base. — fig 4. Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

The removable cover is surmounted by a finely cast goat figure, standing alert upon a rocky base. In East Asian symbolism the goat represents peace, good fortune, and longevity, making it an auspicious decorative element.

fig 5. An antique cast bronze Japanese incense burner featuring a goat finial, foliage handles, bird relief panels, and a stepped circular base. — fig 5. Japanese Bronze Incense Burner (Koro) with Goat Finial

The censer stands on a naturalistic base of large blossoms and foliage supported by stylized feet, further emphasizing the Meiji era fascination with nature and lifelike bronze casting.

Bronzes of this type were produced during the late 19th century when Japanese metalwork reached extraordinary technical refinement, often intended for both domestic use and export to Western collectors.