Japanese Gilt Hiramaki-e Tabako-Bon

c. 1930
$880 USD SOLD
Dimensions
W: 8.5" D: 5.0" H: 9.5"
Materials
Wood
Gold
Copper
Lacquer
Collection #
CANT011
Estimated Shipping
$38

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 dates to the late 19th century and is finished with black lacquer and delicate gilt decoration. The drawers and sides are painted and gilt in the hiramaki-e style with leafy foliage dotted with red fruit. The upper portion of the box supports two removable copper containers etched with the same botanical motif.

The left container is a small hibachi (hi-ire) that was used to light a tobacco pipe. Insulated by a layer of ash, lit charcoal was placed into the hibachi and accessed via the cut-out in the domed lid. On the right is a matching 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 lower drawers were used to hold shredded tobacco, tongs, and cleaning tools. A classic example of a fine Japanese lacquerware, this smoking set lives on as a beautiful keepsake of the past.

Additional Dimensions:
Box: 8.5"W x 5"D x 7.25"H
With Handle Upright: 10.25"H
Left Drawers: 5"W x 4.5"D x 1"H
Right Drawer: 2"W x 4.5"D x 2.5"H

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