A wonderful Japanese Kutani porcelain incense burner, koro, in the form of a treasure ship, Takarabune, Taisho Period (1912 - 1926), Japan.
The censer boldly modeled as the legendary Takarabune, or Treasure Ship, a mythical ship said to carry the shichifukujin, the Seven Lucky Gods, around the heavens during the first days of the New Year, visiting lucky humans to bring blessings and prosperity.
The black bodied, single mast ship sails on the water, its sail full of wind and decorated with the character "takara", meaning treasure. The pierced top of the ship serving as the cover for the censer. It is loaded with magical items and treasure, most prominently, a large coral branch...
Category
1910s Vintage Scholar's Objects