Satsuma incense burner, Japan, Meiji period, 1868-1912

Satsuma incense burner
Japan
Meiji period, 1868-1912
Height without lid approx. 5 cm
Mark of Sekizan
Knob on lid missing

Small square koro (incense burner) with round lid and sparsely applied floral and geometric decorations. Two protomes in the shape of shishi heads.
This piece stands out stylistically from the richly decorated examples, which were primarily intended for export to the West, and demonstrates the Japanese approach to aesthetics with a deliberate use of emptiness. Marked by Sekizan, who left behind some great pieces in this style.