This unusual object is a brazier or incense burner. It was part of a large purchase from the Paris-based dealer, Siegfried Bing. While the rims (Japanese: ‘fukurin’) of dark silver and the ivory knobs in the shape of lion-dogs (Japanese: ‘shishi’) are clearly Japanese, the wiring, enamelling and style of decoration are problematic. The twisted silver wire, together with the bat and cloud motifs which stand proud of the surface, all show a strong Korean influence. The pale shiny blue ground and the exotic bird clearly show Chinese influence.

Many pieces acquired from Bing present similar problems. On balance, it might be safe to say that this object could represent a fusion of ideas and techniques in the early stages of the development of cloisonné enamels in Japan.