Kōro: Japanese Incense Burners
Incense came to Japan with Buddhism in the sixth century, and the incense burner, kōro, has been part of temples, homes and refined pastimes ever since. From grand bronze censers to tiny porcelain vessels, kōro are among the most varied and decorative objects in Japanese art.
Burners for temple and altar
Large bronze censers stand before temple halls, where visitors waft smoke over themselves for health and blessings. In the home, a smaller burner sits on the Buddhist altar with candlesticks and a flower vase. Our guide to altar implements explains how these sets are arranged.
Bronze, porcelain and stoneware
- Bronze. Tripod and four-legged forms inspired by ancient Chinese vessels, often with lids pierced to release smoke and topped by a lion or dragon.
- Porcelain. Arita and Kutani burners painted in blue and white or in colourful enamels.
- Satsuma. Ivory-coloured crackled earthenware painted densely in gold and enamels, made in great numbers for Meiji export.
- Stoneware and celadon. Quiet forms for tea rooms and scholars' studios.
The way of incense
Kōdō, the way of incense, developed among the aristocracy and samurai and remains a refined pastime. Participants do not smell incense so much as listen to it, passing a small burner from hand to hand and identifying fragrant woods such as agarwood. The burners used in kōdō are small and elegant, and complete sets of utensils, often in lacquer boxes, are collected in their own right.
Using a kōro
Stick incense stands in a bed of fine ash. For kōdō and fine woods, a small piece of charcoal is buried in shaped ash, and a thin mica plate placed on top holds the wood, so that it warms without burning. Use proper incense ash rather than sand, and never leave burning incense unattended.
Condition
- Check lids, finials and legs, which are easily chipped or broken and often repaired.
- Look inside for soot and residue, which can usually be cleaned from glazed surfaces but should be left on old bronze.
- Satsuma ware is soft and the gilding wears; check carefully for restoration under a raking light.
- Original fitted boxes and stands add value, especially for kōdō sets.