Japanese 19th Century Kiseru Tobacco Pipe with Sagreen Kiseruzutsu Case
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th Century
This 19th-century Japanese kiseru tobacco pipe is presented with its original protective case, known as a kiseruzutsu. The pipe itself features a bowl and mouthpiece crafted from silvered metal, connected by a slender tube of brown-stained bamboo.
The kiseruzutsu is an adjustable, cylindrical case constructed with a distinct shagreen (ray skin) surface, characterized by its textured, granular appearance. The case exhibits brown staining and is further embellished with a silvered mouth component, which includes an integrated loop designed for attachment to an obi or garment. The entire assembly, including the pipe enclosed within the case, measures 9 1/4 inches in length with a width of 1 1/8 inches.
Both the pipe and the shagreen case show minor, age-related wear consistent with historical use. This set serves as a traditional example of Japanese smoking accessories from the 19th century, highlighting the combination of functional metalwork, bamboo construction, and the ornate, durable decorative surface provided by the shagreen covering on the portable case.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Width
- 1 1/8 inches
- Length
- 9 1/4 inches
- Materials
- Shagreen, bamboo, silvered metal
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Kiseru tobacco pipe with kiseruzutsu case
Design
- Fittings
- Silvered metal
- Case finish
- Brown stained shagreen
- Case features
- Adjustable with attachment loop
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.