Patinated bronze incense burner decorated with a qilin motif

This fine example of Japanese craftsmanship from the Meiji period (1868–1912) is a large incense burner (koro) in patinated bronze, executed with remarkable finesse. Topped by an openwork lid upon which sits a mythological Qilin sculpted in the round, the vessel features a meticulously chiselled naturalistic design on its body, depicting birds amongst bamboo against a grainy (nanako) background. Enhanced by elegant, sinuous handles of dragon-inspired design and a multi-lobed base adorned with friezes of chrysanthemums, this Asian bronze artwork will appeal to collectors of prestigious antiques through the depth of its nuanced brown patina and the exceptional richness of its reliefs.