Hanging Incense Burner Shaped Like a Flower Basket 花籠形釣香炉はなかごがたつりごうろ

Description

This is an incense burner, made primarily of silver, in the shape of a flower basket. The basket is made of silver wire woven like wicker, and holds flowering plants such as chrysanthemums made from thin sheets of silver. The plant with long leaves and red berries is called Japanese rohdea, and was widely cultivated. Japanese rohdea was popular as an auspicious plant because it does not wilt and keeps its green leaves throughout the year. The red berries are carved from coral. The little birds look as if they might start to move at any moment. These birds are also made of silver, but they have copper beaks. Also note the charming porcelain butterflies.

The technique of making parts from thin metal sheets and assembling them to form motifs or decorating them using different-colored metals or other materials, as seen here, can be seen in fashion accessories of the period, such as ornate combs and hairpins. Although this piece differs in coloring from a genuine flower basket, its fascination lies in the deliberate choice to realistically recreate a wicker basket, flowers, and birds in metal.

After the mid-17th century, the Edo period (1603–1868) became stable and free of warfare, and witnessed rapid progress in economic and urban development, scholarly advancement, and the diversification of artistic culture. In metalworking, this period saw advances in the diversification of both materials and techniques. One cause was likely that the materials and techniques used by metalworkers, who had previously been responsible for producing Buddhist ritual implements used in temples, arms, armor, and the like, were turned to crafting a wide variety of items, such as household goods, stationery supplies, and architectural fittings, to target new users such as townspeople and merchants. This piece vividly expresses the spirit of the age.

An incense burner is nested inside the basket, which can be hung by chains or used as a standing ornament. The basket was woven from silver wire, while the flowers were made by brazing together sheets of silver. The flowers and perching bird typify the realism of Japanese metalwork from the 1800s.