This Kiyomizu-yaki lidded kōro (incense censer) has an elegant, tall shape and is decorated in a unique style called ao-mishima (青三島). In contrast to the traditional mishima style which employs white slip to highlight stamped designs, here a stylish blue is used instead to fill in the stamped flowers. The base glaze underneath is a textured matte black. 

This style of kōro (香炉 - incense censer) is designed to be filled with incense ash and can be used either with incense sticks or with charcoal to heat nerikō and kōboku. 

To use with incense sticks, simply remove the lid and place a lit stick vertically in the ash. As the stick burns, the spent ash will fall into the censer and can be mixed with the rest of the ash after the stick has burnt through. Burning in ash lets the stick burn completely, without leaving any unburnt nubs behind. If you'd like, you can put the lid back on once the stick has burned below the rim of the censer and enjoy the sight of the smoke diffusing through the holes in the lid.

To use with nerikō or kōboku, use the soradaki technique. Place a lit tadon halfway in the ash and place a piece of nerikō or kōboku next to it. You can keep the lid off or on, depending on your preference. A more thorough explanation of this technique can be found here. 

Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼) (also called Shimizu-yaki) is a type of Japanese pottery that traditionally comes from the Gojōzaka district near Kiyomizu Temple, in Kyoto, Japan. A subset of Kyo-yaki which refers to all pottery made in the Kyoto area, Kiyomizu ware has been produced since the 16th century

This censer was made by Igura Toshiya (井栗敏也) of Toshiya Kiln (敏也窯). Born in 1962, Igura-san opened his own kiln in 1984 and has since been known for his unique spins on classic styles.

Dimensions:

8cm (3.1in) - width
11.5cm (4.5in) - height

Condition: New

This Japanese item ships from the United States.