Patinated Bronze Incense Burner Vase with Qilin Decoration

This worthy representative of Japanese craftsmanship from the Meiji era (1868–1912) is a large patinated bronze incense burner (koro) of remarkable finesse in execution. Topped with an openwork lid on which a mythological Qilin sculpted in the round is enthroned, the object displays on its belly a meticulously chiseled naturalistic decor depicting birds among bamboos on a granulated background (nanako). Enhanced by elegant, dynamic handles of draconian inspiration and a polylobed base enriched with friezes of chrysanthemums, this Asian art bronze will charm collectors of prestigious antiques with the depth of its nuanced brown patina and the exceptional richness of its reliefs.