What is an antique ceramic censer used for?

These vessels were historically utilised for burning aromatic incense resins, woods, and pastilles during domestic prayer, meditation, or social gatherings. Today, they serve primarily as decorative objects of contemplation, retaining their original scent-diffusing function for collectors who enjoy historical fragrance practices.

How do I distinguish Chinese from Japanese censers?

Chinese pieces on this page often follow historical dynasties, utilising monochrome celadon or blanc de chine glazes with archaic tripod forms. Ming and Qing examples emphasise subtle form and glaze purity. Japanese pieces frequently belong to the Meiji period, displaying Satsuma earthenware, Kutani porcelain, or Imari palettes. They often incorporate narrative enamel painting and distinct animal motifs like the shi-shi lion.

Were all of these pieces meant to hold incense?

Most items listed function as incense burners, incense holders, or pastille burners designed specifically to manage smoke and heat. A small number of related vessels include decorative bowls and tripod bowls shaped in the traditional censer silhouette. Even without burning incense, the presence of pierced covers and heat-resistant ceramic feet reveals their primary design purpose.

How should I clean an antique ceramic censer?

Dusting gently with a soft, dry brush is generally sufficient to maintain glazed ceramic surfaces and delicate enamel or gilt details. Avoid submerging antique pieces with gold leaf or vulnerable enamelwork in water. If the interior retains historical soot or residue from burning incense, wipe it carefully with a barely damp cloth without harsh chemical cleaning agents.

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Antique Ceramic Censer

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An antique ceramic censer brings centuries of ritual form and exquisite glaze into a modern interior.

1900 - 1920

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Imari Koro and Cover Circa 1910

From Frank Craig Antiques

£290

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Kyoto Satsuma Koro with Shi-shi Lion, Meiji C.1895, Museum Quality

19th century

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Kyoto Satsuma Koro with Shi-shi Lion, Meiji C.1895, Museum Quality

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£2,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Kyoto-satsuma “Kotobuki-do” Miniature Incense Burner (Koro) with Lid, Late Meiji (C.1895–1910)

19th century

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Kyoto-satsuma “Kotobuki-do” Miniature Incense Burner (Koro) with Lid, Late Meiji (C.1895–1910)

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£650

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Meiji Japanese Satsuma Koro Signed Kizan, with Shimazu Crest, C.1885

19th century

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Meiji Japanese Satsuma Koro Signed Kizan, with Shimazu Crest, C.1885

From Ritas Bazaar

£875

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

19th century

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Huge Japanese Satsuma Koro and Cover

From Fernyhough Antiques Ltd

£1,995

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Chinese Laughing Boy, Famille Rose Earthenware Incense Holder, C.1880

19th century

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Chinese Laughing Boy, Famille Rose Earthenware Incense Holder, C.1880

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£400

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

19th century

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A Beautiful Satsuma Koro by Shizan.

From Donald Allison Antiques

£5,900

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Satsuma Footed Bowl Burner, Japan, C. 1920

1900 - 1920

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Satsuma Footed Bowl Burner, Japan, C. 1920

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£350

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Japanese Kutani Censer in the Shape of a Treasure Ship, Takarabune, Meiji Period

19th century

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Japanese Kutani Censer in the Shape of a Treasure Ship, Takarabune, Meiji Period

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£600

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Chinese Blanc De Chine Censer Circa 1620, 1650

17th century

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Chinese Blanc De Chine Censer Circa 1620, 1650

From Oliver Sargent Antiques

£895

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Listings span multiple centuries, incorporating Ming Dynasty celadon stonewares alongside Meiji period Satsuma earthenware and Edwardian Imari porcelains.

Pair Imari Porcelain Tripod Bowls, Arita, Japan, C. 1700.

18th century

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Pair Imari Porcelain Tripod Bowls, Arita, Japan, C. 1700.

From Philip Carrol Antiques

£880

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

19th century

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Large 19th Century Imari Lidded Koro.

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£3,000

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Chinese Qianlong Marked Dragon Fish Porcelain Incense Burner Qing Dynasty 19th C

19th century

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Chinese Qianlong Marked Dragon Fish Porcelain Incense Burner Qing Dynasty 19th C

From Sandbanks Antiques

£2,895

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

19th century

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Japanese Imari Koro, Circa 1890

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£4,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

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Antique Ceramic Censer

Imari Koro and Cover Circa 1910

Kyoto Satsuma Koro with Shi-shi Lion, Meiji C.1895, Museum Quality

Kyoto-satsuma “Kotobuki-do” Miniature Incense Burner (Koro) with Lid, Late Meiji (C.1895–1910)

Meiji Japanese Satsuma Koro Signed Kizan, with Shimazu Crest, C.1885

Huge Japanese Satsuma Koro and Cover

Chinese Laughing Boy, Famille Rose Earthenware Incense Holder, C.1880

A Beautiful Satsuma Koro by Shizan.

Satsuma Footed Bowl Burner, Japan, C. 1920

Japanese Kutani Censer in the Shape of a Treasure Ship, Takarabune, Meiji Period

Chinese Blanc De Chine Censer Circa 1620, 1650

Pair Imari Porcelain Tripod Bowls, Arita, Japan, C. 1700.

Large 19th Century Imari Lidded Koro.

Chinese Qianlong Marked Dragon Fish Porcelain Incense Burner Qing Dynasty 19th C

Japanese Imari Koro, Circa 1890

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