Cloisonné Enamel on Copper Twin-Handled Incense Burner with Mythical Beast Finial
This vintage Japanese incense burner combines cloisonné enamel on a copper body, bronze-toned metalwork and a lid with a mythical beast finial. Though not large, it is richly layered in decoration, a refined display piece with both classical Eastern character and the appeal of collectible metalwork. The burner has a round body on three feet, with symmetrical scrolled handles on either side whose outward-sweeping lines give the silhouette a dignified air. The most striking part of the body is the central band of cloisonné-style enamel in blue-green tones: blue, teal, white and reddish brown form continuous scrolling foliage, ruyi and geometric designs, making a beautiful contrast of cool and warm against the bronze-colored metal above. The domed lid is decorated with a continuous tortoiseshell pattern and topped by a small mythical beast finial. The crouching beast serves as a practical handle while adding a sculptural layer to this small object.
