Japanese Keyaki Elm 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 square tabako-bon dates to the late 19th century and is crafted of keyaki elm with three drawers and an open tray compartment. The upper portion of the box supports a round brass hibachi (hi-ire) that was used to light one's tobacco 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. The lid also has a cut-out in the form of a sakura blossom for ventilation. The rightmost drawer contains another brass container (haifuki) used to hold ash and waste. Hook-shaped cut-outs on the sides were used to hold long bamboo smoking pipes (kiseru) and the shallow drawers were used to hold shredded tobacco, tongs, and cleaning tools.

Additional Dimensions:
With Handle Upright: 11"H
Without Hibachi: 7.25"H