Overview

An incense frame is a cage-like item of furniture designed to perfume articles of clothing with incense fumes. Usually, a melon-shaped incense burner is placed within, and the fragrance from the incense burned permeates the clothing placed over the frame. Perfuming the hair and clothing with incense was an essential part of a Heian courtier's toilette. In later ages, the incense frame came to symbolize a life of courtly elegance, and in the Edo period (1615-1868) was incorporated into the furnishings that formed a part of the bridal trousseau of women of the warrior class.

The cubic form of this example with butterfly fittings was developed in the Edo period. It is executed in delicately raised makie of gold and silver on a densely covered pear-skin (J., nashiji) ground. Peony arabesques form the main pattern and in between are scattered chrysanthemum and paulownia crests, bamboo roundels with nine-leaved bamboo grass, and sparrow crests. The same patterns have been used on the decorative metal work of the butterfly fittings and the frame, giving the whole a lively, bright finishing touch. The protective mesh is made of silver. The black lacquer on the frame and a number of the decorative metal fittings are later additions.