Yamaguchi Isao Bizen Openwork Incense Burner (Sukashi Kōro)

An openwork incense burner in unglazed Bizen stoneware by Yamaguchi Isao, offered by a gallery in Imbe, the home of Bizen ware.

Bizen is one of Japan's six ancient kilns. Its pots are fired without glaze for many days in wood-burning kilns, and the colour and surface come entirely from the clay, the flame and the ash. Pierced openwork (sukashi) lets the smoke escape through the pattern, so the burner is both a working kōro and a sculpture. The gallery says that even the fine details are carefully made, that the piece has real presence for its compact size, and that it rewards viewing from many angles.

Details

• Artist: Yamaguchi Isao (山口功)
• Material: unglazed Bizen stoneware
• Size: W 12 × H 13 cm; approx. 515 g
• Box: paulownia wood box (the gallery notes it may take 1–2 weeks to prepare)
• Condition: new; the only one in stock

Watch: how Bizen ware is made and wood-fired

A film on Bizen, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, from the official Six Ancient Kilns Japan Heritage council channel. (A general craft video — not this piece or maker.)

Please read before ordering

• One of a kind. We confirm availability with the dealer in Japan within one business day of your order; if it has sold we refund in full immediately.
• Ships from New Jersey in 2–3 weeks. Price includes all import duties. Fully insured, signature required.
• Professionally double-boxed for shipping.