Lron bowl-shaped lion lid incense burner

Iron Bowl-Shaped Lion Lid Incense Burner

This piece combines the traditional "tetsubachi" (iron alms-bowl) silhouette with a lid topped by a seated shishi (guardian lion), a motif traditionally believed to ward off evil and protect the space around it. The body is wrapped in a hand-engraved plum blossom (ume) pattern, a flower long associated with resilience and the arrival of spring in Japanese art.

Cast in Takaoka, Toyama, the piece is finished in a warm antique patina that highlights the depth of the plum-blossom engraving and the lion's expressive features.

Takaoka's casters have worked in bronze and copper for more than 400 years, and the fine detail seen in the lion finial and the engraved floral body reflects techniques passed down through generations of local artisans.

How to Use

Fill the bowl with ash, then place incense sticks, cones, or lit charcoal in the ash to enjoy the fragrance as it burns.

Product Details

• Material: Copper, antique patina finish
• Size: 10.6 cm diameter x 13.6 cm height (4.17 in x 5.35 in)
• Includes: Paulownia wood box