Zodiac Incense Burner

A grid image. On the left there is a full length image of a white and blue porcelain incense burner which has netting made or porcelain in the middle. It sits on a small white doily against a red and gold background. On the right there are two square images that focus on some of the small porcelain animals.
An incense burner from the Eldon House collection with focus on the zodiac animals

Country of Origin: Japan
Year: ca. 1890s
Material: Porcelain, glaze 

This incense burner was collected by the Harris Family on their trip to Japan in 1897. Along the bottom there are figures of the eastern zodiac, with a large dragon curled around the stem. This was likely a gift for the holidays during the Year of the Dragon.

Research also suggests that this piece may have been from Hirado, a center for Japanese porcelain manufacturing, though it is difficult to tell, as many Hirado pieces were unsigned.

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.