Japanese SHIBUICHI gold inlaid KORO (antique incense burner) with pierced lid, Japan, Edo period Shibuichi (四分一) is a historically Japanese copper alloy, a member of the irogane class, which is patinated into a range of subtle greys and muted shades of blue, green, and brown, through the use of niiro processes, involving the rokushō compound. Shibuichi means "one-fourth" in Japanese, and indicates the standard formulation of one part silver to three parts copper, though this may be varied considerably according to the desired effect. Several major variants of the alloy have specific names, as detailed below. In addition, the metal in general, and especially the paler shades, may be named rogin. As part of our Japanese art collection, we are delighted to offer this most unusual high quality mixed metal koro or incense burner with 3 genuine essence pyramids inside. This fine and heavy little item is made from a Japanese alloy known as Shibuichi , the technique was devised by mixing alloys with silver to produce a wonderful grey to brown bronze skin, the Shibuichi is then inlaid using gold and depicts symbolic mixture of oriental foliage, the koro is nicely finished off with the addition of a pierced lid . Condition: superb, it is far too heavy a gauge to be dented or damaged and only has minor wear commensurate with its age. Height: 8.5 cm; Width: 10.5 cm; Weight of the koro with lid: 652 g; https://www.steveslyjapaneseart.com/product/japanese-shibuichi-gold-inlaid-koro-pierced-silver-lid/#sthash.nmksOYUq.dpuf