An early Edo period (17th century) voluminous incense burner decorated with blossom laden branches populated by birds in gold and mother of pearl inlay wearing a large bronze lid pierced with flowering grasses. To the bottom is affixed a sheet of ancient cloth to protect the surface of the table beneath. It is 18 cm (7 inches) diameter, 15 cm (6 inches) tall. It has much loss to the thin mother of pearl reveling a white substrate. Ordinarily I think this might detract, but in fact enhances the sense of antiquity with this piece. It is very decorative.
