Japanese Gilt Takamaki-e Tabako-Bon

This box with many drawers is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the traditional accessories of Japanese incense ceremony, tabako-bons first came into use in the 17th century and were often beautifully decorated to display one's wealth and status.

This elegant tabako-bon is lacquered and gilt in the takamaki-e style with a pattern of flowering wisteria branches that drape gracefully across all four sides. Two round brass containers are set into the top, the larger a small hibachi (hi-ire) used for lighting one's pipe. Insulated by a layer of ash, lit charcoal was placed into the hibachi and accessed via the ruyi-form cut-out in the domed lid. On the right is a matching container (haifuki) used to hold ash and waste. This smoking set includes a lacquered bamboo smoking pipe (kiseru), supported by hinged metal hooks on the front. A classic example of a fine Japanese lacquerware, this smoking set lives on as a beautiful keepsake of the past.

Additional Dimensions:
Box: 5.25"D x 8.75"W x 6"H
With Handle Upright: 9.25"H
Pipe: 12"L x 0.25"D
Upper Drawers: 4.75"D x 3.5"W x 0.75"H
Lower Drawer: 4.75"D x 7.75"w x 1"H