Japanese Meiji period tabako-bon smoking cabinet with kiseru pipe
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Japanese Meiji period
This Japanese Meiji period tabako-bon is a traditional smoking cabinet designed for the storage of smoking accoutrements. The structure is constructed from wood with intricately pierced panels and features a metal-lined interior to ensure safe and practical utility.
It is surmounted by a domed copper lid adorned with repousse cloud and scrolling motifs, which includes a scalloped opening specifically designed to house the accompanying kiseru pipe. The cabinet is equipped with several functional drawers featuring metal pulls, side hooks for implements, and two hinged handles for ease of transport. The included kiseru pipe is crafted from a combination of bamboo and metal, measuring approximately 8 inches in length.
The overall dimensions of the cabinet are 9 by 6 by 6 inches. This piece displays a combination of finely worked wood and decorative copper elements, embodying the functional aesthetic typical of the period. There are no apparent maker's marks on the object.
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
- Material
- wood, copper, bamboo, metal
- Dimensions
- 9 x 6 x 6 inches
- Pipe length
- 8 inches
Technical characteristics
- Features
- metal-lined interior, drawers with pulls, side hooks, hinged handles
Design
- Decoration
- repousse cloud and scrolling motifs on lid, pierced wood panels
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.