Bronze insence burner with inlays, Japan Meiji period, circa 1880.

Japan, Bronze insence burner with metal ans stone inlays, Meiji period, circa 1880.

This Japanese bronze incense burner from the Meiji period showcases exceptional craftsmanship with inlays of precious materials such as gold, silver, shakudo, and steatite, a rare feature in this type of object. The stone inlays add subtle relief, enhancing the overall quality of the piece. The body of the burner is adorned with roses, an unusual flower in Japanese art, symbolizing Western elegance and grace, while the lid is decorated with a peony and a lotus, representing wealth and purity in Japanese culture. The dragon atop the lid embodies strength and protection.

The inlay technique used here, called zogan, involves embedding precious metals into the surface of the bronze. Shakudo, an alloy primarily composed of copper and gold, is often patinated to achieve a deep black or midnight blue color. This technique, popular during the Meiji period, allowed for subtle contrasts and refined visual effects, characteristic of the decorative arts from this era.

The lion-headed feet, connected by a ring, further emphasize the symbolic dimension of the incense burner, where each detail carries meanings related to protection, strength, and prosperity.
Approx 38 x 17 x 17cm