Kano Tessai (1845-1925)A carved bamboo archaistic ritual vesselTaisho era (1912-1926), dated 1914Based on a Chinese Shang/Zhou-dynasty ding prototype, the censer surmounted by opposing loop handles atop a flat rim above a continuous fanciful tensho (seal script) inscription encircling the semicircular body raised atop three sturdy cylindrical feet surrounding the maker's mark reading Tessai sei (Made by Tessai); with wood storage box labeled Chikutei (Bamboo ding) and inscribed on the interior with a kaisho transcription of the tensho inscription including a date of Taisho sannen (1914), signature, red seal and kao (cursive monogram) 5 1/8in (13cm) high