Incense Burner (kōro) with Design of Grasses, Cherry Blossoms and Butterflies 17th century

This 17th-century *kōro* (incense burner) by the renowned Japanese artist Hon'ami Kōetsu is a testament to the beauty of *wabi-sabi*. The square-shaped ceramic vessel is adorned with a captivating design of grasses, cherry blossoms, and butterflies, rendered in a delicate and evocative style. The *kōro* rests on four small round feet, adding to its understated elegance. This exquisite object, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a prime example of Kōetsu's mastery in merging aesthetic principles with practical functionality. The *kōro* serves as a reminder of the profound role incense played in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and the enduring appeal of Kōetsu's artistic vision.