"Bamboo Leaf Boat" incense holder

Handmade

£44.00

Taxes included.

Material: Metal

Dimensions:
Length: 11cm
Width: 6cm
Height: 3.5cm

Safety notes:
Always place the item on a flat, stable surface away from anything flammable. Keep out of reach of children and pets. If using with incense, make sure the stick is fully extinguished before leaving it unattended. Some heat marks or incense staining may appear with use.

After use: Gently wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth to remove any ash or residue.

Storage: Iron is susceptible to rust if left damp; please ensure the holder is completely dry and store it in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Finish: This piece features a traditional lacquer-baked finish (hon-urushi yaki-tsuke). As a crafted metal object, it is intended for peaceful tabletop use and should be handled with care to maintain its protective finish and longevity.

At a glance

- Cast iron with urushi lacquer finish, Yamagata imono (山形鋳物), METI-designated traditional craft
- By Hisanori Masuda of Chushin Kobo; sole craftsman, founded 1997
- 26cm long; raised prow and stern catch falling ash; suited to both incense sticks and cones

A long, shallow iron tray with a slightly raised prow and stern, resting flat on the table. The form is taken from a bamboo leaf floating on still water, and once you know that, it is hard to unsee.

Made by Hisanori Masuda of Chūshin Kōbō (鋳心ノ工房) in Yamagata Prefecture, this incense holder is cast in iron using the Yamagata imono (山形鋳物) tradition, a METI-designated craft, then finished with urushi lacquer that adds a subtle sheen and protects the surface over time. A small groove near one end holds the incense stick at a natural angle; the weight of the cast iron keeps everything perfectly still whilst the smoke drifts upwards. It has a genuine presence on a shelf or table, more like a considered object than a functional accessory. The raised tips catch falling ash neatly so nothing reaches the surface beneath.

* Incense sticks shown in the photos are not included