{"product_id":"p5843","title":"Bizen ware flying lion incense burner","description":"This Bizen flying lion incense burner is the work of the master craftsman Shunzan Kanai, a pride of Bizen who dedicated his entire life to ceramics and lived through a turbulent era. Among the long history of Bizen intricate crafts, this incense burner depicts a lion—a motif so prevalent that it is no exaggeration to call it his signature work—with a sense of dynamic energy. The craftsmanship of the lion, with its hind legs kicked up vigorously, captures even the swelling of its muscles so beautifully that it looks truly alive. The artist's meticulous attention to detail is also evident in the ears; the earring-like ring ears possess a distinct presence while harmonizing perfectly with the overall aesthetic of the piece. The piece features a classic fired coloration, restrained to ensure it does not distract from the detailed craftsmanship that is the joy of these intricate works. There are traces of flaking from the firing process on each of the three legs, but this does not affect its use. (Evidence of past use is visible inside.)\n\nSigned wooden box (shiho-san style)\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 19.2cm (including ears) × diameter 13.7cm × height 20.4cm (including lid)\n\nShunzan Kanai was born in Imbe in 1904. In 1919, he became an apprentice to Shunko Nishimura and trained for over a decade. He inherited the style of his master, Shunko, excelling in intricate craftwork, and was a master craftsman of the Showa era who dedicated his life to this art form. In 1959, he presented a crane ornament to the Crown Prince on the occasion of his marriage. In 1972, he served as an instructor at the Bizen Pottery Center, where he devoted himself to teaching techniques to the next generation and training successors. He was awarded the Medal with Yellow Ribbon in 1974. He passed away in April 1982.","brand":"金井春山","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618014023777,"sku":"5843","price":190000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/5843.jpg?v=1790231117","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p5843","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}