An imposing perfume burner or incense burner made of polychrome porcelain, enameled and finely hand-painted by the Satsuma factory, Japan.
The decoration features haloed figures dressed in traditional costumes, the Rakan*, meticulously detailed and enhanced with gold highlights. The side handles and the openwork domed lid handle depict Fō dogs (or Komainu lions), emblematic figures of Japanese culture.
In Japanese tradition, komainu are the guardians of sacred shrines and temples, often stationed in pairs: one, with an open mouth (a-gyō), symbolizes the beginning, the active principle, and the inspiration of the breath of life; the other, with a closed mouth (un-gyō), embodies the end, the passive principle, and the exhalation of the final breath. Together, they represent the sacred sound "a-un," the Japanese equivalent of the Sanskrit syllable "om," evoking the complete cycle of existence, from yin to yang, from birth to death.
The piece rests on three sculpted gilt feet. An artist's signature appears beneath the piece, guaranteeing its authenticity and provenance.
Production date: Late Meiji era or very early Taishō era (1895-1915).
The Rakan, also called arhats, literally meaning "the worthy one," are emblematic figures of Zen Buddhism found in many temples in Japan. These ascetics represent the disciples of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha and are considered symbols of enlightenment; here, four men and one woman are depicted.
Material: Hand-painted, glazed porcelain
Height: 42 cm
Diameter: 34 cm
Origin: Japan
