Incense Burner (Kōro) in the Shape of a Courtier’s Hat with Scrolling Peonies
Over a relief pattern of peonies and scrolling vines, the surface of this incense burner is covered with a thick layer or two of glaze, as was characteristic of Nabeshima-type celadon vessels. The object’s complex form is based on the type of hat worn by courtiers during the Heian period (794–1185). These black-lacquered kanmuri had a shallow cap, a tall receptacle for the wearer’s topknot, two crossbars to provide stability, and a long, flat tail at the back. The unique shape of this refined celadon object recalls the representation of aristocrats in Japanese literary classics, such as The Tale of Genji.
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