Cast-Iron Horse-Form Incense Burner, Japan
A Japanese cast-iron incense burner in the form of a horse, with a simple yet elegant design of both collecting and practical value. In Japanese culture the horse is a symbol of strength, loyalty and good fortune, often seen at temples, in old houses and as feng shui ornaments, carrying meanings of blessing and protection of the home. The burner is handmade from high-quality cast iron, heavy and solid in the hand. Over the years it has developed a distinctive, naturally oxidised mottled texture that conveys a sense of history and time. Unlike modern reproductions, its aged character is the genuine mark of the years, adding to the charm of an old piece.