Incense Burner (Kōro) in the Shape of a Courtier’s Hat with Scrolling Peonies, ca. 1690–1750, Edo period (1615–1868). Porcelain with celadon glaze (Hizen ware, Nabeshima type). H. 23.5 cm; W. (incl. two rods) 24.8 cm; W. of cap without rods 15.2 cm; D. (incl. back piece) 24.1 cm. Gift of Charles Stewart Smith, 1893. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 93.3.17.

​​​​​​Over a relief pattern of peonies and scrolling vines, the surface of this incense burner is covered with a thick layer or two of glaze, as was characteristic of Nabeshima-type celadon vessels. The object’s complex form is based on the type of hat worn by courtiers during the Heian period (794–1185). These black-lacquered kanmuri had a shallow cap, a tall receptacle for the wearer’s topknot, two crossbars to provide stability, and a long, flat tail at the back. The unique shape of this refined celadon object recalls the representation of aristocrats in Japanese literary classics, such as The Tale of Genji.