Satsuma Incense Burner

This Japanese Satsuma incense burner is a decorative work of art from the Meiji period, distinguished by its exquisite craftsmanship and intricate detailing. Made from fine earthenware, this burner features a creamy, off-white glaze adorned with vibrant overglaze enamels and gold detailing. Lively scenes are on full display on each side, featuring tea ceremonies, the playing of instruments and children playing. Used for burning incense during ceremonies, Satsuma incense burners exemplify the blend of form, function and artistic beauty characteristic of Meiji-era Satsuma ware. This burner has a round shape with a perforated, dome-shaped lid and is supported by intricately decorated feet. A stunning and utilitarian object such as this would have been highly prized both domestically and internationally. It is marked with the Shimazu family crest, or mon, and the artist's signature, indicating their origin from the Satsuma region. The signature contains the characters of the signature fo