Takaoka Metalwork Gourd toukoma Incense Burner

Takaoka Metalwork Gourd toukoma Incense Burner

This incense burner takes the gently curved silhouette of a hyotan (gourd), a traditional motif associated with good fortune and protection from misfortune in Japan. Openwork (sukashi) panels depicting horses (koma) encircle the body, allowing the fragrance of the incense to drift out through the delicate cut-work design.

This piece is a work of Takaoka copperware (Takaoka douki), a metal-casting craft from Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, with a history of more than 400 years dating back to the early Edo period. Local artisans use traditional sand-mold casting to shape the gourd form, then hand-carve the openwork panels and apply the traditional "toku-iro" patina finish that gives the copper its warm, antique brown tone. This example was crafted by the Takaoka artisan Masashi Natorikawa.

How to Use

Fill the bowl partway with incense ash, then place a lit incense cone, cored charcoal, or an incense stick into the ash. The openwork body allows fragrant smoke to escape gradually while the piece also serves as an elegant display object when not in use.

Product Details

Material: Copper, "toku-iro" patina finish
Size: 10 cm diameter x 17 cm height (3.94 x 6.69 in)
Includes: Paulownia wood box