Yōhen Shikō Incense Burner by Kamada Kōji

Description

Tenmoku holds an honored position in the history and development of tea ceremony in Japan.  Tenmoku bowls were first introduced in the 13th century by Buddhist monks returning from their studies in China.  They were highly regarded among the Ashikaga shogun, warriors as well as avid tea practitioners, who used them extensively in the evolving art of chanoyu, or Japanese tea ceremony.

Through constant experimentation, Kamada Kōji has elevated tenmoku to an even higher level of refinement with the introduction of several novel glazes, each one adding another facet to the incredible diversity of his art.

This resplendent kōro incense burner is done in the artist's signature yōhen shikō glaze.  While cooling in the kiln, streams of wood ash fan out to reveal the shiny layer of iron oxide beneath.  The results are simply transcendent - like a veiny moth's wing in the sunlight, radiating shimmering bronze and purple hues.  The draping of these incidental effects down the sides creates a figurative nightime view of Japan's renowned shidaré-zakura, or weeping cherry blossoms.

A beautiful and timely piece.

Although kōro of this type are traditionally used for holding pieces of smoldering charcoal upon which powdered incense is burned, this piece can accommodate stick types equally well.  For any Japanese-influenced interior or modern décor.

Kamada Kōji's tenmoku works are held in private collections around the world and, in 2005, were acquired by New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art for display in their Asian Art collection.

A wooden presentation box will be custom made to order and signed by the artist.  Delivery time for this item is 2 weeks.

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