As we enter 2026 and the Year of the Horse, we are showcasing one of our favourite Meiji-era metalworks from our collection of Japanese Fine Art and Antiques.
We have chosen this exceptional, large (85cm in height) Incense Burner to be our first “Item of the Month” in the Year of the Horse because it features at its summit, a majestic prancing Pegasus.
(As always with our blogs and stories, you can click on any of the images to take a closer look.)
This wonderful example of Japanese, Meiji-era (1868-1912) craftsmanship appears in Onchi Zuroku, a collection of over 2,000 designs compiled by the Japanese Government for display at the great domestic and international expositions of the 19th Century.
Documented as an “incense burner”, although without any openings to allow smoke to escape, the design was prepared for Kiryū Kōshō Kaisha, (Pioneering Craft and Commerce Company) and although it does not have an artists signature, it is likely that the great Suzuki Chokichi oversaw the design and creation.
The Kiryū Kōshō Kaisha (Pioneering Craft and Commerce Company) was set up after Japan’s successful participation at the 1873 Vienna Weltausstellung (World Exposition) as a public-private trading partnership. Its’ aim was to support and promote high quality Japanese crafts across the globe.
Although there is no catalogue illustration, it is likely that this “incense burner” will have been displayed either at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition or the 1878 Paris Exposition Universelle.
A beautiful image of the Japanese Pavillion at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876.
Suzuki Chokichi, (1848-1919) is often referred to by his art name, Kakō. He was a very important and well-respected metalwork artist of the Meiji-era and is celebrated to this day for his technical mastery in Bronze and multi-metal casting. His works played a pivotal role in showcasing Japanese craft to the Western World.
Also from our collection, this masterful pair of vases made under the supervision of Suzuki Chokichi
This main body of the incense burner is rectangular in form with vertical handles at either end.
The upper section is adorned with inlaid Gold, stylised depictions of fish, Phoenix birds, Hares, Clematis and other exotic birds while the sides of the cover feature squirrels, grape vines and further exotic birds.
The base is cast with a stylised wave design while the foot is richly inlaid with floral motifs. At the bottom is a wooden stand, decorated in Gold lacquer with squirrel and grape designs, echoing those on the cover.
It is the uppermost section that catches the eye though with a fantastical, caparisoned, prancing, winged-horse beautifully inlaid with Gold and Silver, dramatically stealing the show.
We will be showcasing some more equine-inspired works of art next month as we join billions of people around the world in celebrating the Chinese New Year.
If you enjoyed this article, you can find over 100 short-stories and blogs inspired by our collection of Chinese and Japanese Fine Art and Antiques by Clicking Here.
