Japanese Pottery | Incense Burner Koro Inome | Studio Pottery | Stoneware | Wabi Sabi | Tea Ceremony Candle Holder | Gray Glaze | Stoneware

The Story Behind This Piece:

Embraced by the rich mountain ranges of the Chugoku region, the northern part of Hiroshima Prefecture becomes cloaked in deep snow during the winter months. In this Geihoku region, which once flourished as a center for traditional tatara ironmaking and a vital highway junction, this remarkable incense burner emerged from the storehouse of an ancient village headman's estate. This masterpiece was brought to life during the mid-Showa period (1950s–1960s), more than half a century ago, when the fervor of the "Mingei (Folk Crafts) Movement"—which sought to rediscover the value of traditional Japanese handicraft—was spreading deeply into pottery kilns nationwide. In an era moving rapidly toward mass production and high economic growth, the craftsman's dedication to making the earth breathe through his own hands is condensed into this small ceramic vessel.

This incense burner was discovered inside the heavy, white-walled storehouse (kura) of a 150-year-old thatched-roof traditional house (kominka) quietly standing in the heavy-snow district of northern Hiroshima. The former master of this prominent family, who protected the local forests and served as a cultural anchor for the community, cherished and used this incense burner for his daily meditation, tea ceremonies, and during long winter nights as he sat reflecting by the irori hearth. The bold, heart-shaped cutouts on the sides are not a modern, pop-art design, but rather "Inome" (wild boar's eye), a traditional Japanese motif used since ancient times to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune. The soft light of the incense glowing through these Inome apertures, combined with the white smoke gently rising from the three charming air holes at the top, must have deeply warmed the master's soul and provided profound tranquility during the severe winters of northern Hiroshima. The rustic, sand-textured clay vividly evokes the powerful earth of this region, while the thick, snow-like milky white glaze calls to mind the silver, snow-covered world that blankets the Geihoku mountains. The potter's mark carved into the bottom eloquently symbolizes the invisible flow of fragrance and the pride of the craftsman that blows across generations.

However, as the eras shifted and the master passed away, accompanied by regional depopulation and changes in lifestyle, this incense burner, along with other precious artworks and ancient documents, was carefully placed inside a sturdy paulownia wood box and laid to rest in the deep dark of the quiet storehouse. Decades passed, and in the present day, as maintaining such historic Japanese estates became increasingly difficult, the heavy doors of the storehouse were finally reopened during an estate sale intended to pass the land and history down to the next generation. When the dust was brushed away and the burner was brought into the modern light, it possessed a fresh, vibrant vitality that belied its long slumber, combined with an overwhelming aura of "wabi-sabi"—the sublime beauty found in impermanence and imperfection. The fine network of crazing (kannyu) running across the glazed surface has been subtly stained over time by the essence of the high-quality incense burned decades ago, giving it a unique depth and dignity that only a true antique can possess.

In today's world, the "Mingei value" of this incense burner is higher than ever. Its unpretentious, natural beauty and its form, which perfectly embodies the "beauty of utility" (yo no bi), resonate deeply with modern minimalist interiors and people seeking a sustainable, slow living lifestyle. Rescued in miraculous condition from a storehouse engraved with the rich nature and historical memories of northern Hiroshima, this piece is far more than a mere old utensil. It is a time capsule that offers us, who live in a restless modern society, the luxurious permission to "pause, enjoy the fragrance, and restore peace to the mind." Just as the Showa-era intellectual once loved it, it is now your turn to enjoy the warm light leaking through the heart-shaped openings and the quiet smoke rising into your own space. The warmth of traditional Japanese hands, passed down through time, promises to enrich your daily life with profound depth and tranquility.

Condition & Notes:
Please note before purchasing.
This is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.
Due to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:
* small scratches or scuffs
* fading or discoloration
* glaze irregularities or imperfections
* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear
* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts
Vintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.
These characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.
They are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.
We kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.
We do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.
Please review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
Only the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.
Display stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.
Thank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.

Dimensions:

Height: 5.0 cm (1.97 in)
Width: 6.4 cm (2.52 in)
Depth: 6.4 cm (2.52 in)
Base Diameter: 4.1 cm (1.61 in)
Rim Diameter: 4.9 × 4.9 cm (1.93 × 1.93 in)
Maximum Circumference: 20.5 cm (8.07 in)
Weight: 90 g (3.17 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.
International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Import duties / customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.
However, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Depending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.
For many higher-value international orders, VAT/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT/GST or local import-related charges are included.
Even when customs duties are covered by us, VAT/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.
We do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.

Damage During Shipping:
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:
* the damaged item
* the outer shipping box
* the inside packaging condition
* the shipping label
Please keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.

Returns & Refunds:
All items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.
Due to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.
Returns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:
* change of mind
* customs delays
* minor differences in condition
* color differences
* texture variations
* size impression differences
* natural signs of age and wear
However, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.
For customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.

Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.
Vintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.
Please enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.
Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.

Liability Disclaimer:
We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
State taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.
California Proposition 65:
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union (EU)
Our shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.
Import VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
■ United Kingdom
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.
Import VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Import VAT/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
For Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT/GST on imported goods.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.
Thank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.
This piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.
On our official website, we share:
– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.