Censer. Japan, Meiji period, last third of the 19th century.

Censer. Japan, Meiji period, last third of the nineteenth century.
Satsuma porcelain hand painted.
It has marks of use and wear. The lid does not open.
Measurements: 38 x 26 x 14,5 cm.

This censer, made entirely in satsuma porcelain, is characterized by its marked sculptural character. On four legs in light cabriole, stands the body of the censer. Three Fu Dogs or guardian lions, made in round bulk, decorate the handles and the knob of the lid. Courtly personages wrapped in sumptuous kimonos have been depicted on the walls of the belly, along with decorative patterns in different colors, with a predominance of siennas, reds and browns. The Foo dog, similar to a lion, is an important symbol in Chinese Taoist culture and, due to its influence, also in Japanese and Thai culture. It is identified with protection against evil spirits, and hence it is often represented in pairs at the entrance of temples, imperial tombs, palaces, government buildings, etc.