Cherry blossoms, captured in Kutani porcelain

Product Description

Bring a moment of stillness to your home with the Aochibu Sakura incense burner. Its rounded porcelain form pairs a cherry blossom motif with a finely dotted blue ground—a decorative surface that rewards a closer look.

Made in Japan in the Kutani ware tradition, this compact piece is designed for enjoying incense and for display. Place it where its intricate decoration can be appreciated between rituals: on a shelf, a console, or in a quiet corner of the room.

At approximately 9.5 cm in diameter and 9.6 cm high (3.7 × 3.8 in), it brings ornamental detail to a small space. A wooden presentation box makes it a considered choice for a housewarming, an anniversary, or someone who appreciates Japanese craft.

Small variations in pattern placement, colour shading, and dimensions mean your piece may differ slightly from the photograph.

Product Information
  • Material: Porcelain
  • Origin: Made in Japan
  • Craft: Kutani ware
  • Dimensions: Diameter 9.5 cm × height 9.6 cm (approx. 3.7 × 3.8 in)
  • Design: Sakura (cherry blossoms) with raised Aochibu blue-dot decoration
  • Contents: 1 incense burner, presented in a wooden box
  • Please note: Pattern placement, color shading, and dimensions may vary slightly between pieces.
Care instructions

Allow the burner to cool completely before handling or cleaning. Wipe gently by hand with a soft, damp cloth or sponge; avoid abrasive cleaners and scrubbing the raised decoration. When burning incense, use a stable, heat-resistant surface in a ventilated space and keep away from flammable objects, children, and pets. Never leave burning incense unattended. Follow the instructions supplied with your incense and burner.

Artisan & Craft
Artisan & Craft

Aochibu is a distinctive Kutani decorative technique that became widespread during Japan’s Taishō period (1912–1926). Fine raised dots are arranged across a coloured ground, creating a richly textured surface. The effect depends on careful control of each dot’s size, colour, and spacing. On this piece, the blue-dot ground frames a sakura motif, bringing the precision of the technique into focus.

Questions About This Piece

What makes the Aochibu decoration special?
Aochibu is defined by tiny raised blue dots arranged across a coloured ground. Keeping their size, colour, and spacing consistent requires precise decorative skill. Here, the textured ground sets off a sakura, or cherry blossom, motif.
How large is it, and can I display it between uses?
It measures approximately 9.5 cm in diameter × 9.6 cm high (3.7 × 3.8 in). Its compact form suits a shelf, alcove, or console, where the decoration can be enjoyed even when you are not burning incense.
What comes with the incense burner?
You will receive one porcelain incense burner presented in a wooden box. The supplier does not list incense, ash, or a separate incense holder among the included contents. Please contact us before ordering if you need to confirm compatibility with a particular type of incense.
Will my piece look exactly like the photograph?
Pattern placement, colour shading, and dimensions may vary slightly from one piece to another. The photograph shows the design; the piece you receive may differ in these small details.
Kutani ware from Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

Kutani ware · Ishikawa, Japan

Kutani: Japan’s art of brilliant color

Kutani ware emerged in Ishikawa in the 17th century and became celebrated for bold overglaze painting and an unmistakably rich use of color. Its decorative language ranges from expressive nature motifs to highly detailed compositions, giving Kutani porcelain a vivid character unlike almost any other Japanese ceramic tradition.

17th-century roots born in Ishikawa
Kutani Gosai five signature colors
Overglaze painting bold, layered, expressive
Ishikawa · Hokuriku · Japan

Discover Kutani

Learn more about Kutani ware

What is Kutani ware?

Kutani ware is a tradition of Japanese porcelain associated with Ishikawa Prefecture. It first developed in the 17th century and is especially known for richly colored overglaze decoration, bold compositions and a wide range of styles that evolved over several centuries.

What are the five colors of Kutani ware?

The traditional Kutani palette is often referred to as Kutani Gosai, or the five Kutani colors: red, yellow, green, purple and dark blue. These vivid overglaze enamels are used in different combinations, from dense decorative painting to more restrained contemporary work.

Where is Kutani ware made?

Kutani ware is associated with Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan’s Hokuriku region, particularly the areas around Kaga, Komatsu and Kanazawa. The original Kutani production began near present-day Kaga in the mid-1600s.

Why does Kutani ware look so different from other Japanese porcelain?

Kutani is distinguished by its emphasis on decoration after the porcelain body has been fired. Layers of colored enamel are applied over the glaze, allowing artists to create saturated color, strong outlines and highly expressive imagery. This gives Kutani ware a more painterly and often more dramatic appearance than many other Japanese porcelain traditions.