Takaoka Metalwork Frog Incense HolderThis family of incense holders casts the frog, a motif long favored in Japanese folk art both for its playful character and as a homophone for "return" (kaeru), making it a symbol of safe travel and good fortune returning home. Each frog is shown perched on a different natural motif: a stalk of bamboo, a cluster of grapes, or a broad lotus leaf, and each design is offered in more than one size.These holders are a product of Takaoka copperware (Takaoka Doki), a metal casting tradition centered in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, with a history of more than 400 years dating back to the early Edo period. All five designs are the work of Takaoka artisan Wakumo, individually cast in copper and finished by hand.Design Variations Frog on Bamboo (Large) — a frog perched on a bamboo stalk, cast copper (15.5 x 6 x 3cm) Frog on Bamboo (Small) — a smaller version of the bamboo and frog design, cast copper (12 x 4 x 2cm) Frog on Grapes (Large) — a frog among a cluster of grapes, cast copper (10 x 10 x 3cm) Frog on Grapes (Small) — a smaller version of the grape and frog design, cast copper (7 x 7 x 3cm) Frog on Lotus — a frog resting on a lotus leaf, cast copper (8 x 8 x 3cm) How to UseRest a stick of incense against the figure and place the piece on a heatproof surface such as an incense tray or plate of ash.Product Details Material: Cast copper Size: Frog on Bamboo (Large): 15.5 x 6 x 3cm (6.10 x 2.36 x 1.18in); Frog on Bamboo (Small): 12 x 4 x 2cm (4.72 x 1.57 x 0.79in); Frog on Grapes (Large): 10 x 10 x 3cm (3.94 x 3.94 x 1.18in); Frog on Grapes (Small): 7 x 7 x 3cm (2.76 x 2.76 x 1.18in); Frog on Lotus: 8 x 8 x 3cm (3.15 x 3.15 x 1.18in) Artist: Wakumo Includes: Decorative gift box
