This incense container is fashioned in the appealing form of a Japanese red-crowned crane. The considerable skill that went into carving and shaping this piece is reflected in the natural curvature of the line running from the bill along the neck, and the gentle swelling of the plumage. Muted colors deftly capture the appearance of the bird: the bill and the tail feathers are painted in iron pigment over an opaque whitish glaze, the feathers are painted with gold, and the crown is rendered in red. On the left side of the unglazed base has been pressed a small seal reading "Ninsei". This is one of his excellent incense containers. Ninsei's birth and death dates are unclear.