Takaoka Metalwork Carp waterfall climbing Incense Burner

Takaoka Metalwork Carp waterfall climbing Incense Burner

A carp is depicted leaping up a rushing waterfall on the body of this incense burner, a classic motif symbolizing perseverance, strength, and the overcoming of obstacles on the way to success. The dynamic composition of fish and falling water is rendered in fine relief around the rounded form.

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 copper form, then apply hand engraving and finishing techniques passed down through generations to bring out the fine detail of the carp and waterfall design.

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 metal body helps diffuse the fragrance evenly through the room, and the piece also makes an elegant display object even when not in use.

Product Details

Material: Copper
Size: 15 x 11.3 x 18 cm (5.91 x 4.45 x 7.09 in)
Includes: Paulownia wood box