Antique Meiji Japanese Bronze Boar Incense Burner Inoshishi Sentoku Koro Sculpture

This finely cast Meiji-period bronze incense burner takes the powerful form of a wild boar, an animal long associated in Japan with courage, resilience, and unyielding forward motion. The sculptor has captured the creature in a moment of poised alertness, its head raised and musculature subtly articulated beneath a richly variegated brown patina.

The surface displays exceptional hand-finishing, with nuanced color transitions ranging from warm amber to deeper umber tones, characteristic of high-quality Meiji bronze work influenced by the Sentoku tradition. The modeling is both naturalistic and symbolic, balancing realism with auspicious intent.

Objects of this type were produced for the refined domestic interior—used in incense appreciation, tea gatherings, or displayed as scholarly ornaments—reflecting the Meiji era’s synthesis of traditional craftsmanship and evolving aesthetic sophistication.

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT & CONDITION

Height: approx. 17.5 cm
Width: approx. 9 × 13 cm
Weight: approx. 961 g

Condition:
Good condition considering age. Expected surface wear consistent with period. No structural damage observed. Patina remains stable and visually cohesive. Please refer to images for detailed surface review.

IDENTIFICATION & CLASSIFICATION

Object Type: Incense Burner (Koro)
Form: Zoomorphic – Wild Boar (Inoshishi)
Material: Cast bronze (copper-based alloy)
Technique: Lost-wax casting, hand-finished patination
Period: Meiji period (circa late 19th century)
Origin: Japan
Style Reference: Sentoku-style bronze tradition
Function: Tea ceremony incense burner / scholar’s object
Mounting: Freestanding, tripod feet
Signature / Box: Original wooden storage box present (inscribed)

Authenticity & Stewardship

Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:

• Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
• Iconographic and stylistic verification
• Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
• Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation

Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.

A Note on Stewardship and Collecting

At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.

Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.

Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration

Some of the cultural and heritage works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.

If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.

Concierge Support & Collector Guidance

Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.

For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.

Before Proceeding

We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.

A Closing Note

Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Oriental Cultural Heritage and arts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.

If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.