Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Persimmon & Bee Incense Burner Koro Sculptural Tea Object

This refined Meiji-period incense burner is cast in the sculptural form of a ripe persimmon surmounted by a delicately modeled bee, a pairing that reflects the late nineteenth-century Japanese fascination with natural symbolism rendered through metalwork of high technical refinement.

The persimmon form is softly rounded and volumetric, its surface displaying a naturally matured bronze patina with tonal depth that speaks to both age and careful alloy control. The removable lid integrates seamlessly into the fruit’s contour, while the bee finial functions as both a visual focal point and a subtle vent for incense smoke.

In Japanese iconography, the persimmon is associated with longevity, seasonal abundance, and the quiet fulfillment of autumn, while the bee symbolizes diligence, prosperity, and harmonious industry. Together, the motifs convey a restrained but auspicious message appropriate to tea ceremony environments and cultured interior display.

During the Meiji period, such figural incense burners were favored by literati, tea practitioners, and collectors who appreciated objects that balanced whimsy with symbolic literacy. This example reflects that taste, combining technical competence with narrative charm.

Condition is very good for age, with only minor surface wear and patina variation consistent with careful historical handling. No structural damage or repairs are observed from visual inspection.

This piece is well suited to collectors of Meiji decorative arts, tea ceremony implements, and sculptural Japanese bronzes, offering both visual appeal and cultural resonance.

Attribution is based on stylistic analysis and construction methods; no signature or workshop mark is present.

Item dimensions (estimated):
14 × 14.5 × 14.5 cm

Colors:
Dark bronze brown with natural patina

Materials:
Cast bronze

Origin country:
Japan

Period / era:
Meiji period (1868–1912)

Classification:
Antique

Condition rank:
Very Good

CURATORIAL ASSESSMENT
A highly accomplished Edo-period bronze distinguished by sculptural ambition, technical execution, and commanding presence. Comparable objects are typically encountered in institutional collections or advanced private holdings rather than the open market. Its scale, weight, and sculptural complexity place it well above the level of decorative curios, positioning it instead as a serious collector’s work.

COLLECTOR RELEVANCE
Suitable for advanced Japanese metalwork collectors, dragon iconography specialists, Edo-period ritual object scholars, or as a singular statement piece for architectural or tokonoma display.

CONFIDENCE & VERIFICATION NOTES
Period attribution aligns with material, technique, and stylistic indicators.
No conflicting evidence observed.
Tomobako present; inscription authorship not independently verified.

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.