Lot 15 A LARGE JAPANESE PATINATED BRONZE KÔRO 香炉 (INCENSE BURNER), 19TH CENTURY
A large patinated bronze kôro 香炉 (incense burner), finely cast and elaborately decorated in high relief.
The rectangular kôro is supported on four legs shaped like oni 鬼 (demon) heads, their jaws grotesquely unhinged. The octagonal body features two spiked-dragon handles and is surmounted by a short neck with a galleried rim.
The domed cover has grommet-shaped apertures for ventilation, topped with an elegant pheasant perched atop a large rock, pruning its wings.
Each side is set with a large frame. One side depicts a Rakan 羅漢 (arhat) holding a small figure of Kannon 観音 (Avalokiteshvara, or Guanyin), accompanied by an oni holding a shakujô staff 錫杖. The reverse side features a kingfisher with its catch, flying above the water.
The body of the vase is decorated with a diapered pattern, and the edges and shoulders bear lotus, aster, and prunus blossoms, as well as archaic rain dragons and oni masks.
With an artist’s seal within a square cartouche to the base. Presumably reading: ‘Cast by Kon[…]kai’ 仁[…]開鋳
Period: Japan – 19th century (Late Edo period/Early Meiji period).
Height 49 cm, Width 35.5 cm, Depth 19.5 cm. Weight 13.3 kg.
In a very good condition with minor wear, signs of use, and small casting irregularities.