Amirta Incense Burner

An image of a small dragon with an open mouth. Along the dragon there are lines and circles of orange and green.
Dragon from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Japan  
Year: ca. 1897 
Materials: Ceramic and paint  

The dragon was not a traditional symbol in Japanese art but becomes a large part of art and mythology through interactions with Korea and China. This incense jar shows features of Chinese craftsmanship, including the white with green and rust circles, containing floral and geometric designs, leaf shaped tail, lid in shape of head. It was purchased by the Harris Family on their tour to Japan in 1897.  

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.