A Silver And Enamel Incense Burner And Cover With Kingfisher Finial
MEIJI PERIOD (LATE 19TH-EARLY 20TH CENTURY)
This exquisite silver and enamel incense burner from Japan's Meiji period exemplifies the era's sophisticated fusion of traditional metalworking techniques with refined decorative arts. The piece features delicate enamel work and a distinctive kingfisher finial, which serves both as a functional handle and an ornamental element reflecting the period's appreciation for naturalistic forms. Such luxury vessels were highly prized by the Japanese elite and foreign collectors alike, representing the pinnacle of craftsmanship during a time of rapid modernization and cultural exchange.
- Spotted At
- Auction House · Christie's
Notes
LOT ESSAY Three distinct enameling techniques are employed throughout the piece. Translucent enamels, or Hirata enamels, allow the silver ground beneath to shimmer through, while opaque enamels evoke the jewel-like brilliance associated with the “Seven Treasures” (Shippo, also referring to enamel in Japanese) of Buddhism. Beneath each of the six panels appears a third technique, champlevé enameling. The present lot is fitted with a delicately pierced lid surmounted by a finial in the form of a kingfisher. The enameled kingfisher, perched on a branch, forms an elegant sculptural element in its own. Three of the panels depict powerful mythological creatures: the dragon, phoenix, and karashishi accompanied by peony blossoms. The the remaining panels evoke symbols of imperial and shogunal authority: chrysanthemum, paulownia and mitsu-aoi. The interior silver liner is removable, revealing the finely hammered construction of the base.
🔨 Auction Lot
Japanese and Korean Art
March 24, 2026
Estimate: $4,000 – $6,000
Lot 48
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