What is a censer used for?

1930's, Japan. The censer, koro, gracefully modeled as a phoenix in flight, and glazed in bold and

period, circa 1900, Japan. The censer, koro, with a compressed body supported by three elegantly

, Takarabune, Taisho Period (1912 - 1926), Japan. The censer boldly modeled as the legendary Takarabune, or

A fantastic Japanese Satsuma incense burner, koro, with phoenix and brocade designs and a silver lid, Meiji Period, late 19th century, Japan. The cens...

Eizan (?) Meiji Period, late 19th century, Japan. The koro, or censer, features a stoneware body of

A striking Japanese cast and carved patinated bronze trumpet mouth vase for flower displays, Edo to Meiji Period, mid 19th century, circa 1860, Japan. The tall and elegant bronze fl...

A vibrant Japanese turquoise ground and silver wire cloisonne vase, now mounted as a lamp, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The tall vase of elegant rouleau shape, with a straight neck and body, slightly tapered food, and everted mouth. Crafted in the cloisonne technique upon a copper ground, the silver wires stand out and shimmer against the bright turquoise enamel ground. An ebullient design of blossoming peony (botanical) and morning glory (asago) graces the body of the vase. The large and heavy blooms of white peony especially striking and contrasting nicely with the more delicate and almost shy pastel morning glory blossoms hiding behind the large leaves. The cloisonne enamels especially well done within the silver cloisons, with the leaves and flowers displaying masterful shading. The foot decorated with a geometric and floral border. The vase drilled and wired and now mounted as a lamp. Set upon two wood bases. The actual lamp of brass plate, set with a single socket and tall, adjustable harp. The lamp is topped by an antique 19th century Chinese Qing Dynasty tumble polished natural rock crystal. The crystal finial originally served as a Chinese Mandarin hat finial...

A fantastic Japanese Satsuma incense burner, koro, with phoenix and brocade designs and a silver lid, Meiji Period, late 19th century, Japan. The cens...

A fantastic small Japanese Satsuma vase with image of writhing dragons, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The vase of elegant baluster form, with a slightly flared foot, slender body...

A fun and colorful English Chamberlains Worcester "Dragons in Compartments" heart or ruyi shaped enameled soft paste porcelain dish, early 19th century, circa 1810, Worcester, Englan...

A fantastic framed Japanese woodblock triptych by Utagawa Kunisada II (Toyokuni IV) entitled "Twilight Snow at Mount HIra" from the series "Eight Views of Omi", Edo period, circa 185...

A fine and rare Chinese Export famille rose enameled porcelain "Pronk Arbor" plate, 18th century, Qianlong Period, circa 1738, China. A beautifully decorated Chinese Export porcelai...