Takaoka Metalwork Inverted Incense Burner

Takaoka Metalwork Inverted Incense Burner

This incense burner is cast in the shape of an animal figure resting face-down over the burner bowl, an "inverted" (伏せ, fuse) style unique to Takaoka metalworking. Choose from three whimsical motifs: three monkeys huddled together, a wide-eyed owl, or a curled-up cat, each rendered with soft, rounded forms that give the piece a warm, tabletop presence.

Takaoka, in Toyama Prefecture, has been a center of Japanese metal casting for over 400 years, tracing back to the early Edo period when the local feudal lord invited casters to the area. Each piece in this series is cast in aluminum using traditional Takaoka casting techniques, then finished by hand to bring out the fine surface detail of the fur and feathers.

Design Variations

• Three Monkeys — three monkeys clustered together in a playful pose, evoking the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" motif.
• Owl — a round-bodied owl with large eyes, a motif long associated with good fortune and protection in Japan.
• Cat — a compact, curled-up cat figure with a gentle, restful expression.

How to Use

Lift the animal figure off the bowl, add a layer of incense ash, and set a cone or stick of incense in the ash. Light the incense, then rest the figure back over the bowl; the fragrant smoke will drift out gently through the gaps beneath the figure.

Product Details

• Material: Aluminum (all motifs)
• Size:
  • Three Monkeys: approx. 6.3 x 12.5 x 8.5 cm (approx. 2.48 x 4.92 x 3.35 in)
  • Owl: approx. 9 x 9.5 x 9.5 cm (approx. 3.54 x 3.74 x 3.74 in)
  • Cat: approx. 9 x 9 x 5.5 cm (approx. 3.54 x 3.54 x 2.17 in)
• Includes: Decorative gift box