Akoda-melon-shaped Incense Burner with a design of a birdcage and maki-e

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Explanation

This incense burner is known as “akoda–melon shape“ due to its lobe-shaped bulky body which resembles a melon. On the surface covered with thick gold lacquer are a birdcage and small birds represented by thin silver sheets. The birds’ beaks and feathers are painted in detail. The solid shape and the lacquer expertise used to make this incense burner indicate that this was made in the early Kamakura period and thus valuable. Formerly owned by Hara Sankei.