Hirado Reticulated Dragon Koro, Meiji Period Japanese Porcelain, c.1880
£1,300.00
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A rare antique Japanese porcelain incense burner (kōro) produced by the Hirado kilns during the Meiji period, circa 1880.
The globular body is formed with large openwork panels executed in exceptionally fine reticulated technique (sukashi), each centred with chrysanthemum medallions. The domed cover is fully pierced to match. Inside, a separate liner for incense reflects the quality construction typical of Hirado production.
Decorated in underglaze cobalt blue (sometsuke) with cloud scrolls, stylised birds and flowing wave ornament, the burner rises from a square base set on four curved feet. A sculpted white dragon coils around the stem in high relief, with sharply defined scales, claws, whiskers and crest. The carving remains crisp and animated. A refined, intellectually balanced composition.
The Hirado kilns, active since the mid-17th century in Mikawachi, originally operated as almost a closed court production supplying local feudal lords. This disciplined background shaped their restrained elegance and technical precision. Hirado has long been regarded as one of the most refined segments of Japanese porcelain.
Dimensions:
Height: 21.5 cm
Width: 13 cm
Depth: 9 cm
Weight: 725 g
Condition:
Excellent condition. No visible damage or restoration. The reticulation is intact throughout. The dragon retains its finest details in full preservation.
The visible joint between the upper body and the stem is not damage but a normal manufacturing feature, as these elements were made separately and joined before firing. Similar joints can be seen on comparable examples.
Small superficial firing marks on the ribbed section of the stem are not cracks. Under UV light they do not extend into the porcelain and are consistent with minor kiln effects from the firing process.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.
Hirado Reticulated Dragon Koro, Meiji Period Japanese Porcelain, c.1880
£1,300.00
The globular body is formed with large openwork panels executed in exceptionally fine reticulated technique (sukashi), each centred with chrysanthemum medallions. The domed cover is fully pierced to match. Inside, a separate liner for incense reflects the quality construction typical of Hirado production.
Decorated in underglaze cobalt blue (sometsuke) with cloud scrolls, stylised birds and flowing wave ornament, the burner rises from a square base set on four curved feet. A sculpted white dragon coils around the stem in high relief, with sharply defined scales, claws, whiskers and crest. The carving remains crisp and animated. A refined, intellectually balanced composition.
The Hirado kilns, active since the mid-17th century in Mikawachi, originally operated as almost a closed court production supplying local feudal lords. This disciplined background shaped their restrained elegance and technical precision. Hirado has long been regarded as one of the most refined segments of Japanese porcelain.
Dimensions:
Height: 21.5 cm
Width: 13 cm
Depth: 9 cm
Weight: 725 g
Condition:
Excellent condition. No visible damage or restoration. The reticulation is intact throughout. The dragon retains its finest details in full preservation.
The visible joint between the upper body and the stem is not damage but a normal manufacturing feature, as these elements were made separately and joined before firing. Similar joints can be seen on comparable examples.
Small superficial firing marks on the ribbed section of the stem are not cracks. Under UV light they do not extend into the porcelain and are consistent with minor kiln effects from the firing process.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.