INCENSE BURNER, Ko-Seto, with three legs, With wooden box, Kamakura Period（1185–1333CE）

A three-legged Ko-Seto incense burner of the Kamakura period.

A small Ko-Seto three-legged incense burner that fits in the palm of the hand. Its low, nearly cylindrical body stands on three small feet and is fitted with a shallow, gently rounded lid. Though a diminutive work—measuring less than 6cm in diameter—it displays the characteristic glaze of Ko-Seto and a compact, well-proportioned form suited to its role as an incense burner.

The body is thickly coated with ash glaze, with yellow-green pools of glaze flowing across the entire surface. Where the glaze remains, a deep gloss provides a strong contrast to the white, dry clay body. Flaking of the glaze, crazing, and surface erosion of the clay converge, concentrating the time-worn expression characteristic of Kamakura-period ceramics within this small vessel.

Comb-like incisions appear on the lid and the base. Especially on the base, multiple layers of arcing combing remain, directly recording the hand movements of the maker during shaping. The small three-legged form is pleasingly charming; while serving as a practical incense burner, it is equally notable as a small example of antique pottery.

This piece functions as a small vessel for incense and may also be appreciated as an antique Ko-Seto to accompany a shelf display, the scholar’s study, or a tea-room arrangement. A wooden box is included.

There are repairs, and the lid and body show glaze loss, crazing, wear, and areas of roughened clay. Please understand this as characteristic of an old object.