197 - A FINE NABESHIMA CELADON-GLAZED PORCELAIN ‘KIRIN’ KORO (INCENSE BURNER)

A FINE NABESHIMA CELADON-GLAZED PORCELAIN ‘KIRIN’ KORO (INCENSE BURNER) Japan, 19 th century, late Edo period (1615-1868) Finely modeled, the mythical creature depicted seated on its haunches, the four legs terminating in hooves, while the upright flaming tail is entwined with curling locks. Its robust torso is covered in minutely rendered overlapping scales and rises to a separately modeled head, its fierce expression marked by bulging eyes and a prominent snout, the gaping jaws revealing sharp fangs and tongue, flanked by flowing whiskers and framed by a luxuriant flame-like mane, the crown surmounted by a distinctive horn. HEIGHT 28.5 cm Condition: The horn with evidence of professional restoration. Otherwise, excellent condition with only minor wear and expected firing irregularities. This incense burner is an excellent example of celadon porcelain produced at the Nabeshima clan kiln at Okawachi-yama, the official kiln serving the Nabeshima family, lords of the Saga domain. The present vessel takes the form of a kirin, a Japanese mythical creature derived from the Chinese qilin and traditionally associated with the group of four auspicious creatures, alongside the dragon, phoenix, and tortoise. Its fantastical hybrid form is particularly distinguished by a single horn rising from the head, accounting for the frequent comparison with a unicorn, while the four hoofed legs and powerfully modeled hindquarters recall the anatomy of a shishi. Dense feather-like plumage covers the remainder of the body, introducing a further visual association with the phoenix. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related Nabeshima celadon-glazed porcelain incense burner in the form of a kirin, dated to the 18th-19th century, 29.2 cm high, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, 20 September 2023, New York, lot 632 (sold for USD 6,400 or approx. EUR 6,200 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Note the restoration to the horn.