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ID #SA1228901
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£400
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Japanese Kutani Porcelain Koro Incense Burner, Karashishi Finial and Elephant Head Feet, Meiji Period C.1890
For sale by Ritas Bazaar
for sale €468     $508
£400

Ritas Bazaar

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2025
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Id #SA1228901
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Japanese Kutani Porcelain Koro Incense Burner, Karashishi Finial and Elephant Head Feet, Meiji Period C.1890

19th century
For Sale by Ritas Bazaar
Description

A decorative antique Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner (Koro) and cover, dating to the Meiji period, circa 1890. The unusual trapezoidal body is raised on four robust corner feet sculpted as finely detailed elephant heads with hand-painted eyes and curling trunks beneath a translucent blue glaze, an uncommon feature on Kutani Koro of this type. The vessel is flanked by two moulded scroll handles enriched with gilt highlights. The domed cover is pierced with reticulated apertures to release incense smoke and is surmounted by a sculptural Karashishi finial.

The principal decoration comprises hand-painted overglaze enamel panels depicting the Japanese Gods of Longevity, Fukurokuju and Jurojin. Executed in high relief with raised Moriage enamels over a finely textured Same-hada (sharkskin) ground, the figures display expressive facial modelling and refined brushwork. The surrounding decoration combines traditional Kutani iron-red, green, aubergine, blue and gilt enamels in an elaborate scrolling ornamental design. The underside is smoothly glazed and remains unmarked, consistent with many export-quality Kutani wares of the period.

Weight 367 g; height 16.8 cm; width 12.5 cm; depth 8.4 cm. Condition: both handles have been professionally restored; the cover has been professionally restored, and the Karashishi finial has a small loss to one ear; there is age-related wear to the gilt decoration. The hand-painted figural panels remain in complete original preservation. Otherwise in good antique condition. Please carefully regard all photos as they make an integral part of the listing, and reach out if there are any questions.

Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Japanese Kutani Porcelain Koro to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1228901
Description
A decorative antique Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner (Koro) and cover, dating to the Meiji period, circa 1890. The unusual trapezoidal body is raised on four robust corner feet sculpted as finely detailed elephant heads with hand-painted eyes and curling trunks beneath a translucent blue glaze, an uncommon feature on Kutani Koro of this type. The vessel is flanked by two moulded scroll handles enriched with gilt highlights.
“
The domed cover is pierced with reticulated apertures to release incense smoke and is surmounted by a sculptural Karashishi finial.
Ritas Bazaar
fig 1. A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs.
fig 1. Japanese Kutani Porcelain Koro Incense Burner, Karashishi Finial and Elephant Head Feet, Meiji Period C.1890

The principal decoration comprises hand-painted overglaze enamel panels depicting the Japanese Gods of Longevity, Fukurokuju and Jurojin. Executed in high relief with raised Moriage enamels over a finely textured Same-hada (sharkskin) ground, the figures display expressive facial modelling and refined brushwork. The surrounding decoration combines traditional Kutani iron-red, green, aubergine, blue and gilt enamels in an elaborate scrolling ornamental design. The underside is smoothly glazed and remains unmarked, consistent with many export-quality Kutani wares of the period.

fig 2. A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs.
fig 2. Japanese Kutani Porcelain Koro Incense Burner, Karashishi Finial and Elephant Head Feet, Meiji Period C.1890

Weight 367 g; height 16.8 cm; width 12.5 cm; depth 8.4 cm. Condition: both handles have been professionally restored; the cover has been professionally restored, and the Karashishi finial has a small loss to one ear; there is age-related wear to the gilt decoration. The hand-painted figural panels remain in complete original preservation. Otherwise in good antique condition. Please carefully regard all photos as they make an integral part of the listing, and reach out if there are any questions.

Date of Manufacture

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Japanese Kutani Porcelain Koro to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1228901
Ritas Bazaar
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Ritas Bazaar Profile Page

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A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs.
1 / 12
Archive I A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs.

Japanese Kutani Porcelain Koro Incense Burner, Karashishi Finial and Elephant Head Feet, Meiji Period C.1890

Archive II A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs. View II
Archive III A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs. View III
Archive IV A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs. View IV
Archive V A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs. View V
Archive VI A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs. View VI
Archive VII A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs. View VII
Archive VIII A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs. View VIII
Archive IX A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs. View IX
Archive X A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs. View X
Archive XI A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs. View XI
Archive XII A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs. View XII
Enlarged Archival View

Ritas Bazaar
Telephone 07434 626011
Location
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/ritasbazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
Items For Sale 258
Items Sold 48
Ritas Bazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/ritasbazaar
Verified
Nov 2025
For Sale
258
Sold
48
A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs.
Japanese Kutani Porcelain Koro Incense Burner, Karashishi Finial and Elephant Head Feet, Meiji Period c.1890
Ref: SA1228901
A square Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner featuring a karashishi lion finial on the lid, hand-painted figural panels, and blue elephant-head legs.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectIncense Burners
  • Period19th century
  • StyleMeiji Period
  • MaterialPorcelain, Enamel
  • ColourMulticoloured
  • MotifsKarashishi finial, Elephant head feet, Hand-painted figural panels, Square-form body

This Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner and cover dates to the Meiji period, circa 1890. The square-form body stands on four blue elephant-head feet with curling trunks, features two scroll handles with gilt highlights, and has a domed, pierced cover topped with a sculptural karashishi lion finial. Overglaze enamel panels depict figures in green robes and blue garments on a textured ground, surrounded by iron-red, aubergine, and green scrolling ornamentation. The vessel measures 16.8 cm high, 12.5 cm wide, and 8.4 cm deep, weighing 367 g. Both handles and the cover show professional restoration, with a small loss to one ear on the finial and age-related wear to the gilt decoration. Position this piece on a mantelpiece to serve as an ornamental focal point in a living space or study. The multi-coloured palette and detailed hand-painted figures integrate well into maximalist or traditional decorative schemes. The interior holds incense while the reticulated apertures release smoke during use. Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth maintains the surface condition of the porcelain and enamel decoration.

FAQs

Kutani ware is a style of Japanese porcelain originating from Kaga Province, known for its bold overglaze enamels, intricate line work, and characteristic palette often including iron-red, green, yellow, purple, and dark blue.

Meiji period Kutani ceramics were crafted from fine porcelain clay, wheel-thrown or hand-moulded, fired, and subsequently decorated with detailed overglaze enamel pigments and gold leaf accents before a final low-temperature firing.

Authentic pieces typically feature hand-painted figural or natural scenes, dense red enamel backgrounds with gilded details, maker marks painted on the base, and characteristic motifs such as karashishi lions or elephant feet.

A Kutani porcelain koro serves as a refined focal point on a mantelpiece, sideboard, or within an open bookcase, adding warm tones, intricate pattern, and historical interest to modern minimalist or maximalist settings.

Clean gently using a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove dust. Avoid water immersion, harsh chemicals, or abrasive pads, as these can erode overglaze enamels and gilded highlighting.
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