

Ceramic Art
Vintage Japanese Hida Kyo-yaki White Glazed Porcelain Rabbit Koro (Incense Burner)
Age:Showa Era (1950s)
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 3-1/4"h x 2-3/4"w x 4-0"l
This listing is for a tea ceremony incense burner, or koro, in the shape of a rabbit, one of the twelve lucky animals of the Japanese zodiac. In Japan, rabbits are thought to make bad luck disappear, and also to represent success. This wonderfully formed little rabbit is finished with whitish-beige glazing with a crackled, and tactile surface. The rabbit sits timidly and watchfully; legs tucked under its body. It has a nicely formed snout, pink-lined ears, and accented expressive eyes. The back of the koro is pierced to allow the incense smoke to rise and is removable. The piece has the artist's untranslated impressed stamp on the bottom.
The koro is Hida Koito-yaki ware, a ceramic made in Takashima City in Gifu Prefecture. It is signed by the artist, Nagakura Saburo, on the underside. Koro are beautiful little miniatures representing many aspects of traditional Japanese life, customs, and seasonal events, and as such, make lovely, meaningful collection pieces.
Condition: Mint condition and as originally crafted and in perfect condition retaining the beautiful crafting of this rare rabbit. No chips, cracks, or breaks.