Japanese Monumental Satsuma Censer with Foo Dog Lid and Exceptional Painting

A foo dog sits on the lid with a pierced ball under one paw and an expression of fierce good cheer.

This monumental Satsuma censer with foo dog lid and exceptional painting comes from Satsuma, Japan, and dates to the 19th century. It is enameled and gilded porcelain. Satsuma ware became famous in the 19th century for cream-colored grounds covered in finely crackled glaze, gilding and colored enamels. Around the body, a procession of haloed figures walks through a landscape of trees and rocks. Tall upright handles and the pierced domed cover are crowded with gilt brocade patterns. It stands on four short feet. It is 15.5 inches wide and 23.5 high.

Incense will have a hard time competing for attention.