JAPAN, Murata Seimin (1761-1837) Bronze incense... Lot 25

JAPAN, Murata Seimin (1761-1837) Bronze incense burner with 4 medallions representing a phoenix, a turtle, a dragon and a kilin. The incense burner with a lid is placed on a base surmounted by 3 dragons. Shoulders decorated with 4 elephant trunks with dog head pendants ending with a pompom. The lid is topped by an eagle taking flight. The piece is decorated in registers, separated by horizontal bands of swastika. Lack of whiskers on the dragons. H 72.5 cm and maximum diameter of 32 cm late Edo period, ca. late 18th to early 19th century. An elegant brass brazier, also known as a hibachi, made by the metalsmith Murata Seimin (1761-1837). The bottom has four legs and at the center of the base is a raised 9-character maker mark within a square that includes the artist's name. The vessel has a textured surface that is made up of repeated linear motifs. For other examples of Murata Seimin's work, please see the Walters Art Museum website, specifically accession numbers: 54.1610 and 54.1504.