Description
A rare fine silver & hard wood Japanese “tabakobon” smoking set with “kiseru” pipe.
Early Meiji period (1868 – 1912) or late Edo period (1603 – 1868).
Smoking trays came into use in the late 16th century, after the introduction of tobacco into Japan by the Portuguese. During the Edo period (1603 – 1868), as smoking gained in popularity, the necessary accoutrements were carried on a tray and often offered to friends or guests as a polite gesture. With the widespread use of charcoal towards the middle of the Edo period, this flat tray evolved to became a box known as a “tabakobon.” A porcelain or metal container held charcoal, on which a bed of ashes was placed. In addition, there was also a container for holding tinder.
Beautiful ornate boxes like this one, became popular among the elite and included small drawers for holding tobacco, a rack for holding the pipe and of course the brazier for holding the charcoal. As these items were essentially portable, many of them featured handles as we see on this one as well. Towards the end of the Meiji period, smoking boxes became less popular as cigarettes became the new popular trend.
Smoking boxes constructed from hardwoods are is highly unusual, which makes this particular set extremely rare.
This box is constructed from an imported hardwood called “Iron Knife wood” (鐵刀木) which can be found in Taiwan, Southern China and Southeast Asia. Iron Knife wood, much like “Chicken wing wood,” is known for its unique grain which resembles feathers on a bird. It features two drawers in the bottom front, two small side drawers, plus a tray for holding the “kiseru” pipe (also included). The box has been carefully constructed with much attention paid to edges and joints which are pegged in a contrasting red colored wood with silver fittings and components.
Description in Japanese on the original box, mentions the woods and materials used.
Box size is: 28 x 24 x 21