Takaoka Metalwork Elephant pagoda Incense Burner

Takaoka Metalwork Elephant pagoda Incense Burner

This incense burner combines two auspicious motifs from Buddhist iconography: an elephant, long revered as a symbol of wisdom, strength, and good fortune, supporting a multi-tiered pagoda (tō), the sacred tower form traditionally used to house Buddhist relics and represent spiritual aspiration. Together, the elephant and pagoda create a dignified, temple-like presence well suited to a Buddhist altar or a quiet contemplative space.

This piece is a work of Takaoka copperware (高岡銅器), a metal casting tradition that has been passed down in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, for over 400 years since the early Edo period, when the local feudal lord invited skilled casters to the area. It was crafted by the artisan Masaharu (正晴), and finished with a lacquer coating along with gold, silver, and copper inlay plating that brings out the fine detail of the relief work.

How to Use

Place a layer of ash in the burner, then set a stick of incense, an incense cone, or lit charcoal on top of the ash to enjoy the fragrance.

Product Details

• Material: Copper, with lacquer coating and gold, silver, and copper inlay plating
• Size: 40 x 25 x 53 cm (15.75 x 9.84 x 20.87 in)
• Includes: Storage case