Japanese Gilt Tabako-bon with Mother-of-Pearl Pagoda

This handled box 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 tabako-bon has a brilliant gold finish painted with trailing vines and serene landscapes. The back is painted with a towering pagoda inlaid with abalone or mother-of-pearl. The tabako-bon would have originally been paired with a small hibachi (hi-ire) for lighting pipes and small container for dumping hot ashes and other waste.

Additional Dimensions:
Box: 8.75"W x 6.25"D x 5.5"H
Drawers: 3.25"W x 5.25"D x 1.5"H