A MASSIVE JAPANESE BRONZE KORO (INCENSE BURNER)

A MASSIVE JAPANESE BRONZE KORO (INCENSE BURNER)
MEIJI ERA, 19TH CENTURY

Raised on five scrolling feet, the lower section cast in high relief as Bishamonten slaying a dragon, the God wearing elaborate armour and holding up his sword, ready to strike; he carries a large bulbous vase above his head with his other hand; the handles are modelled as winged mythical creatures, the sides decorated with a procession of oni, bats, and other bakemono, two monsters carrying a large drum; the cover powerfully cast as an eagle on a rock with outstretched wings; 182cm overall.

Provenance: the collection of Miss Elizabeth Augusta Grosvenor Guest (1879-1960), grand-daughter of Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster (1795-1869), and grand-daughter of Lady Charlotte Guest (later Schreiber, 1812-95).