Japanese Satsuma Koro (Incense Burner) with Yokai and Skeletons, c.1900

Story

During the late Meiji period, Japanese artists captivated the West by blending traditional folklore with macabre humor. This vessel depicts a legendary 'cat and mouse' dance alongside dancing skeletons, a playful nod to Buddhist themes of impermanence. It transformed a traditional ritual object into a conversation piece for fashionable European parlors.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, this piece belongs to the celebrated Satsuma earthenware tradition, specifically showcasing the influence of Kyōsai Kawanabe, the legendary 19th-century painter famous for his wild, humorous depictions of demons and skeletons.

Condition & Value

There are visible structural cracks and potential old repairs where the tripod legs meet the main body of the incense burner, as well as some wear to the gilding and surface grime on the unglazed underside. These structural issues significantly reduce the value, as pristine pieces command a heavy premium.