Rhinoceros-Shaped Incense Burner in the Cochin (Kōchi) Style 1770 - 1799

This incense burner, shaped like a rhinoceros and crafted in the Cochin style, was made by Okuda Eisen in the late 18th or early 19th century. Here, the rhinoceros form is not just a depiction of an animal. It’s a vessel embodying strength, protection, and perhaps even a connection to the exotic. The animal's form links back to ancient beliefs where animals possessed spiritual qualities. Dragons, mythical creatures often associated with power and wisdom, are found at the top of the object, symbolizing the harmony between the earthly and the celestial. We see similar creatures in ancient Greek and Roman art, where they represent power and protection, much like in the East. Such motifs are not static; they evolve, adapting to new cultural landscapes, reflecting our deepest hopes and fears. The enduring presence of such symbols speaks to the enduring human need to find meaning and order in a chaotic world.