Incense Burner with Lid

Description

Incense burner with lid
Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912)
19th century
Brass
Gift of Robert Jameson, 2005/1.477

This incense burner demonstrates the dramatic
change in metalworking production in the
Meiji period (1868–1912)—a time of intense and
rapid Westernization in Japan. Highly skilled
metalworkers made it to satisfy a new desire for
objects with Japanese themes and motifs that
reflected Western European styles, specifically the
elaborate ornamentation of high Victorian period
(1837–1901) decorative arts.

The bowl depicts a dragon in silver inlay, along
with gilded images of a vase, conch shell, and
fan, all surrounded by wisps of cloud. Dragons
coil around the three legs supporting the brazier,
which stands on a two-tiered hexagonal base with
cloud-like fins rippling down the six legs. The
entire work is topped with a domed lid with an
image of a kirin, a hooved mythological creature
symbolic of prosperity.

2021 Gallery Rotation
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Incense burner with lid
Japan
Meiji period (1868–1912)
19th century
Brass
Gift of Robert Jameson, 2005/1.477
This incense burner demonstrates the dramatic change in metalworking
production that occurred during the Meiji period (1868–1912)—a time of
intense and rapid Westernization in Japan. It was produced by highly skilled
metalworkers in response to a new desire for objects with Japanese themes
and motifs that reflected Western European styles, specifically the elaborate
ornamentation of high Victorian period (1837–1901) decorative arts.
The bowl depicts a dragon in silver inlay, along with gilded images of a vase,
conch shell, and fan, all surrounded by wisps of cloud. Dragons coil around
the three legs supporting the brazier, which in turn stands upon a two-
tiered hexagonal base with cloud-like fins rippling down the six legs. The
entire work is topped with a domed lid with an image of a kirin, a hooved
mythological creature symbolic of prosperity.