Description A SATSUMA 'TANGO NO SEKKU' KOROJapan, 19th centuryOf baluster form, rising from a splayed foot to an everted rim, the cover pierced and with a figural finial in form of a dignitary, the censer decorated to the shoulder in polychrome enamels and gilt with a myriad of boys in various pursuits all participating in the Tango no sekku (boy's festival), framed by lobed reserves with diaper patterns. The recessed base with a mark.HEIGHT 15.8 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, a restoration to the neck of the finial.Provenance: Austrian private collection.Tango no Sekku (boy's festival), also known as Ayame no hi (Iris festival), is one of the five ancient seasonal festivals influenced by Chinese customs, and the Japanese observance of the celebration is said to have begun around the Nara period. The day was dedicated to boys in the same way Momo no Sekku or Hinamatsuri was dedicated to celebrating girls.