Description

An elegant Japanese kiseru pipe and tobacco container set, traditionally worn suspended from the sash of a kimono. The ensemble consists of a long bamboo pipe case (kiseru-zutsu) paired with a cylindrical tobacco container (tabako-ire) decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay.

The pipe case is crafted from a section of bamboo, its natural nodes and warm reddish-brown tone enhancing the organic character of the piece. Bamboo was commonly used for kiseru cases due to its strength, lightness, and refined appearance.

The accompanying tobacco container is formed from wood, with a sculptural applied design depicting a bee resting above stylized water. The scene is accented with delicate mother-of-pearl (raden) inlay, creating subtle luminous highlights that contrast beautifully with the darker leather surface. The bee motif in Japanese art often symbolizes late summer, perseverance, and courage, and was favored by samurai as an emblem of forward movement and victory. There are two other beetle insects on the outside with a spider on the inside of the lid.  The bottem of the tobacco case is carved in the likeness of a leaf.

The container retains its braided cord and ojime bead, used to secure the lid and suspend the set from an obi sash. Such pipe sets were essential accessories during the Edo and Meiji periods, when smoking with the slender metal-tipped kiseru pipe was a widespread social custom.

Mounted on a custom iron base fdor presentation and display.

Age: 19th Century

Dimensions: 8″ high x 9″ wide