Japanese Tokyo Shop Tabako-bon

1922
$880 USD
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Dimensions
W: 9.5" D: 5.5" H: 5.75"
Materials
Paint
Wood
Copper
Purchase Quantity
Collection #
CANT006
Estimated Shipping
$38

This wooden 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 the form of a naga hibachi and was originally used by the patrons of a shop in Tokyo. The open top is divided into three compartments, the largest lined with sheet metal for use as a small hibachi (hi-ire). Insulated by a layer of ash, lit charcoal was placed into the hibachi and used to light one's smoking pipe.

The sides are carved with calligraphy identifying the tabako-bon as belonging to the Izamiya shop of the Hachobori region of Tokyo and dating its creation to 1922. It was customary for visitors of a shop to chat and smoke with the shop keeper, and consequently many shops, inns, and tea houses provided tabako-bons such as this for their customers. The box is complete with brass chopsticks used to move burning coals and a bamboo receptacle (haifuki) used for ash and other waste.

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Elizabeth Krueger | Elizabeth Krueger Design

“PAGODA RED was extremely supportive in helping to pull accessory options together for the Lake Forest Showhouse. After providing them with details and our vision on how we were looking to finish our space, Laurene helped curate options that made it easy for us to edit and finalize. It's also no surprise that the unique pieces we used in our showhouse space were some of the first to sell.”

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