Japanese Silver Mark ID...Large Koro/Censer/Thurible Meiji or Older

Yes they are. Also Japanese designs tend to be a bit bolder, like on this koro, Chinese more 'ethereal'.

Japanese is often more expensive.

 

I think that cinches it. It's Japanese!

In all seriousness, I do believe it to be. Any guess on period? I'm guessing late Edo to early Meiji.

 

I don't often accompany DH to church, but would that be what priests use in church?????

 

I believe it is the same type thing but I am assuming that The Vatican typically doesn't procure their Thuribles from the Far East. And I don't believe this one was intended to be carried about--It's too heavy. I think it is intended to be hung.

 

The biggest thurible in the world, in the pilgrimage church of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain:



It hangs on a thick rope and is swung through the length of the church:

 

YIKES!!!!! THAT be HUGE!!!!!

 

Just a question... why is the incense "pan" mounted in a compass gimbal.

 

It keeps the burning incense in an upright position, no matter how the globe is tilted. Pretty clever.

 

Smart when you're dealing with live coals; you don't want to dump them on the parishoners' heads.

 

or DO you?????

 

Well, one might want to, but one's liability insurance costs would skyrocket. Decisions, decisions....

 

BONK!!!

 

Finally got around to having this looked at by an auction house. Late Meiji. Would be worth double if it had a shop mark. Thanks again for all your help.