Japanese Meiji Blue & White Porcelain Koro Incense Burner Prunus C.1900

Japanese Meiji Blue & White Porcelain Koro Incense Burner – Prunus – c.1900

An attractive antique Japanese blue and white porcelain kōro or incense burner, dating to the late Meiji period, circa 1900.

Of compact rounded cylindrical form, the kōro is fitted with a pair of moulded side handles and retains its original-style domed porcelain cover with a small deliberately formed aperture allowing incense smoke to escape.

The body is extensively decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with flowering prunus blossom growing from gnarled branches and rockwork, surrounded by finely worked foliage. A particularly attractive dense scrolling floral border encircles the shoulder, while the moulded handles are individually decorated in blue.

The decoration has been executed beneath the glaze, with extensive fine linear and hatched detailing throughout the branches, foliage, flowers and borders.

The fitted cover carries complementary blue-and-white floral decoration surrounded by a continuous scrolling border and is surmounted by a porcelain knop.

The underside is unmarked, with a glazed recessed base and exposed foot/contact ring showing age-related wear and discolouration. The interior remains remarkably clean and retains a bright white glaze.

Stylistically the piece relates to Japanese blue-and-white porcelain produced during the later 19th and early 20th centuries, including wares associated with the Hirado/Mikawachi tradition; however, in the absence of a maker’s mark, it is catalogued conservatively simply as Japanese, late Meiji period, circa 1900. Museum collections contain comparable Japanese blue-and-white porcelain incense burners from the 19th and late 19th centuries.

Condition: Good antique condition overall. There is evidence of an old repair/re-attachment around the knop finial of the cover, visible as a discoloured line around its base. Age-related wear and discolouration are present to the unglazed contact surfaces, together with minor firing imperfections typical of manufacture. No maker’s mark. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

Date: Circa 1900

Period: Late Meiji period

Origin: Japan

Material: Porcelain

Decoration: Underglaze cobalt blue

Height: approximately 9 cm

Width: approximately 11 cm

Weight: 179 g

Valued at £110. Priced for a quick sale

A very decorative small Japanese kōro with particularly attractive prunus decoration, displaying beautifully as an example of late Meiji blue-and-white porcelain.

About CKB LTD.

CKB LTD. was formed in 2010 and operates as an independent dealer, with a focus on carefully selected works offered through private sale and online platforms.

The company emphasizes informed attribution, clear descriptions, and responsible market practice. Objects are evaluated through visual examination, comparative research, and reference to established art-historical frameworks, with attention to condition, authenticity, and context.

CKB LTD. works with private collectors, dealers, and international buyers, and conducts transactions in accordance with standard international art market conventions. Each item is offered as a collectible work of art, with transparency regarding condition and attribution, and with respect for the nature of historical objects.

Condition, Attribution & Authenticity Notice

This work is offered as an antique object based on visual examination and comparative stylistic analysis. All statements regarding age, origin, attribution, and period represent informed scholarly opinion and are not guarantees of absolute fact.

Condition descriptions are based on external observation only. The interior, underside of the base, and any internal cavities or consecration materials have not been examined. No technical analysis (including XRF, thermoluminescence, or metallurgical testing) has been performed.

As is typical with antique bronzes, minor casting irregularities, surface wear, rubbing to high points, oxidation, and age-related imperfections are present and should be expected. No visible repairs or restorations are observed from the available views; however, the absence of hidden restorations cannot be guaranteed.

All items are sold as is, and prospective buyers are encouraged to examine the photographs carefully and request additional information prior to purchase. By bidding or purchasing, the buyer acknowledges acceptance of the item?s condition and the nature of antique works.

International Buyers ? Important Information

This item is an antique work of art over 100 years old and is sold as a collectible object. Buyers are responsible for any import duties, VAT, GST, customs fees, or local taxes imposed by their country.

The seller does not provide CITES documentation, export permits, or cultural property certificates unless explicitly stated. Please verify import requirements with your local customs authority prior to purchase.

All shipments are professionally packed and fully insured. Title and risk pass to the buyer upon shipment.

This work is offered in accordance with standard international art market practices.