Mid-Century Japanese Champlevé Enamel Tripod Censer With Guardian Lion Finial

Details

Description

A mid-twentieth-century Japanese covered incense burner or censer, cast in brass/bronze-alloy metal and richly decorated with champlevé enamel. The compressed … Read more A mid-twentieth-century Japanese covered incense burner or censer, cast in brass/bronze-alloy metal and richly decorated with champlevé enamel. The compressed globular body is raised on three cabriole-type feet and fitted with opposing zoomorphic handles, while the pierced removable cover is crowned by a seated guardian-lion finial.

The surface is extensively ornamented with geometric and figural motifs in cobalt blue, turquoise-green, red and cream enamel against an aged gold-bronze metal ground. The recessed enamel decoration creates a strong contrast with the naturally developed patina, while the pierced cover and sculptural handles give the compact vessel considerable architectural presence.

The underside is marked MADE IN JAPAN and also carries an impressed factory or maker device. The interior retains traces of incense from previous use, reflecting the vessel's original function as a working censer.


Measurements: 7.75 in H × 6.5 in W × 5 in D

Weight: 1.15 lb

Style: Japanese, Asian Traditional, Chinoiserie

Origin: Japan

Age: Circa 1950s–1960s See less