Title: Imari ware, Iroe Zougan Kouro
Description
This item is the Kouro (香炉, incense burner). The vermilion, navy blue, green, and gold colors make this Kouro’s decorative look gorgeously. The costumes worn by the Hakuzou (白象, white elephant) are decorated with these gorgeous colors.
Here, we would like to introduce the history of elephants to you. In the Edo period, the 13th year of the Kyouho (享保) era (1728), two elephants were brought to Japan from the continent. They were gifts for the Tokugawa Shogun at that time, Tokugawa Yoshimune (徳川 吉宗, 1684-1751). Many ordinary people saw this animal during the journey from the elephant’s arrival to Edo city. And this giant animal became a trend among people. Initially, the white elephant was sacred in Buddhism. It is known as a vehicle of the Fugen Bosatsu (普賢菩薩, Samantabhadra, a bodhisattva of rationale and mercy). A theory says Mayabunin (摩耶夫人, Mahāmāyā), who is the Buddha’s birth mother, saw a white elephant when she got pregnant Buddha. Also, the elephant has been regarded as a patient animal. Based on this history and religious idea, it is understandable that the elephant motif was incorporated into motifs for various items, as seen in this work.
We have just introduced an event when many Japanese people, including ordinary people, saw a real elephant. In the Edo period, shopping similar to what we now call mail order already existed. However, of course, this business was not for the ordinary people but for the Shogunate and feudal lords. At the time, Nagasaki (長崎) was a gateway for international trade, and rare items from foreign countries were imported one after another. Among these items, rare animals and monster birds that Japanese people have never seen or heard were extremely popular.
For the Shogun and the Shogunates, rare animals and strange birds they had never seen or heard of were fascinating. But it was uneasy to decide whether they wanted it or not. The Takagi family, who had served as Nagasaki magistrates for generations, would draw up illustrations of rare birds and beasts whenever they arrived and send them to the Edo Shogunate to make inquiries. The Shogunate carefully examined the drawings, selected only those they wanted, and ordered them. It is similar to the current catalog mail order. We could imagine that it was pretty challenging for common-class Samurai to acquire and raise these rare beasts, so there might have been a time when they incorporated them as motifs into their personal belongings, such as daily necessities. The relationship between the southern barbarian-style man and the elephant we mentioned earlier is a natural combination, considering that there is a connection between Japan and trade with other countries during the Edo period.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
What is Imari Yaki?
Imari Yaki (伊万里焼, Imari ware) is a type of Japanese porcelain produced in Hizen (肥前, Saga prefecture, and Nagasaki prefecture today). It flourished mainly in Arita (有田) town in Saga prefecture. The main port of shipment was Imari, so this style of porcelain was named Imari Yaki. Until the medieval, Japanese people made pottery but depended on foreign countries for porcelains. The first production of domestic porcelain began in Arita town in the 17th century. It is the origin of porcelain in Japan.
Its quality of material characterizes imari ware. Porcelain is even stronger than pottery. It becomes hard and durable since it is fired at a high temperature (around 1300 degrees) for over 17 hours. You could hear a clear and high-pitched sound if you flipped this porcelain lightly with your finger. Also, it has a smooth texture compared to other potteries.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
【Payment method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.
【Shipping duration】
We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order.
We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.
*Please keep in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, there might be possible delays in delivery. If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.
【Antique Japanese item and Export process】
After receiving the full payment from you, we will apply for its export permit from the Board of Education to legally export the item to other countries. It normally takes around 2 to 4 weeks to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1.0 – 1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.
【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.
It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of incense burner and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
Would you like see some more Antique items for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite item.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/antique/
