Incense Burner with Magpie's Tail-shaped Handle, Brass incense burner in Tokyo National Museum, Japan
This incense burner is a brass work with a handle shaped like a magpie's tail, measuring 39 centimeters in length and 10.2 centimeters in height. The piece combines a functional burning chamber with an ornamental handle form and is displayed in the Tokyo National Museum's permanent collection.
The piece was created in the 7th century and demonstrates the advanced metalworking techniques developed during Japan's early artistic periods. Its designation as a National Treasure emphasizes the craftsmanship significance of this era in Japanese art history.
The piece features a magpie motif, which carries symbolic meaning in Japanese folklore as a sign of good fortune woven into its functional design. This animal imagery connects craftsmanship with spiritual purpose and reflects the ceremonial practices that shaped its creation.
The piece is on view in the Tokyo National Museum's permanent display in Taitō-ku, where it is shown alongside other significant metalwork. Visitors should examine the metal details from different angles to fully appreciate the craftsmanship involved in its creation.
The handle mimics the shape of a magpie's tail, a design choice that bridges both practical use and symbolic meaning in a single form. This feature makes the piece instantly recognizable and shows how early Japanese artisans wove function together with meaning.
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