Vintage Japanese koro (Japanese incense burners)

A koro is a type of Japanese incense burner that is used to burn and hold incense sticks. It is typically a small, cylindrical container with a removable lid that is used to hold the incense sticks upright. Koros have a long history in Japan, dating back to the Heian period (794-1185), when they were first used in religious ceremonies and rituals.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), koros became popular among the samurai class and the wealthy merchant class as a way to purify the air and create a pleasant aroma in their homes. Koros during this period were often made of metal, such as bronze or brass and were decorated with intricate designs and motifs, such as dragons and phoenixes.

In the Meiji period (1868-1912), with the opening of Japan to the world, koros started to be produced in a wide range of materials, including ceramics, more... lacquerware, and bamboo. The production of koros also expanded and became more diverse, with the introduction of new designs and styles, including the introduction of new forms like the Koro, which was made to be used in tea ceremony.

Today, koros are still used in traditional Japanese settings, such as temples and tea ceremony, but they are also used in aromatherapy, yoga, meditation and other spiritual practices. less...