Williamson Auction
Live Auction

Auction 54, Sunshine & Sales, March 31st

Tue, Mar 31, 2026 12:00PM EDT
Lot 35

RARE Antique Japanese Satsuma Koro Incense Burner Meiji Period Hand-Painted w/ Foo Dog Finial

Estimate: $300 - $500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$150 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$4,000 $500
$15,000 $1,000
$50,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000

Description

This is a stunning antique Japanese Satsuma ware incense burner, known as a koro or censer, dating to the Meiji Period (1868-1912). This museum-quality piece is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of late 19th/early 20th-century Japanese pottery, originally produced for the Western export market.

Key Features:

  • Material & Origin: Genuine Japanese fine earthenware with a rich, creamy crackled glaze and extensive gilding.
  • Design & Decoration: The globular body stands on three ornate scrolled feet featuring molded faces of Buddhist lions. It is decorated with intricate hand-painted polychrome enamel panels depicting figures, possibly arhats or wise men, surrounded by detailed gold decoration and raised moriage (beadwork) accents.
  • Lid & Finial: The pierced, domed lid allows smoke to escape and is surmounted by a detailed figural Shishi (foo dog) finial. Side handles are also molded in the form of foo dogs.
  • Dimensions: H:7in W:7in

Condition Report: Overall good condition. Light surface wear consistent with age and handling. Minor rubbing to gilt highlights may be present. No major cracks or chips observed.

Japanese Satsuma censer foo dog incense burner tripod vessel gilt porcelain Made in Japan vintage Asian ceramics collectible lidded urn decorative pottery figural panelware oriental decor

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Shipping

For shipping assistance, we recommend contacting the following trusted professionals:

UPS Store: Phone 954-963-7134 Email store0288@theupsstore.com website

theupsstore.com/0288

Alternatively, we can provide additional recommendations for third-party shipping

services. All items will be shipped within 10 business days after payment has cleared.

Items must be picked up within 10 business days following the auction. Items not

collected within this timeframe will be placed in storage at a fee of $10.00 per item per day.