Imperial Chrysanthemum Incense Burner

The noble chrysanthemum flowers are used in Japan as imperial crests. In September, there was a custom of placing chrysanthemum flowers and drinking sake with a chrysanthemum petal in order to ward off evil spirits and live longer.

This magnificent incense burner shows golden chrysanthemum flowers over a blue and white glaze. In Japan, it is considered as a precious gift and it is an essential part of home decoration. Fill it with pressed rice ashes and nail Japanese incense sticks in them. Having no bamboo core, they will burn completely without leaving a trace.

About Kutani ceramic
Ceramic has been made in the town of Kutani - Ishikawa prefecture - Japan since the middle of the XVIIth century. It is worldwide known for two different types of ceramics: the first one consists of gold-painted patterns, which are easily made as gold is abundant in the area; the second one is the superposition of thick layers of five colours, called go-sai: red, yellow, green, purple and dark blue. The designs Kutani craftsmen are famous for are bold representations of nature. This is a very rich and luxurious style, as proven by this rare and delightful piece of art.