Pipe and Pipe Case with Tobacco Pouch

early 19th century

Not on view

This elegant lacquer pipe case once hung from its owner’s obi sash, kept in place by the attached netsuke. A fashionable man would have carried a pipe (kiseru), for smoking small servings of finely cut tobacco, in a stylish case (kiseruzutsu) with a matching tobacco pouch (tabako-ire). They served as contemporary fashion accessories and conversation subjects. This two-part case features a maki-e design of wood sorrel, a wildflower similar to clover.

Artwork Details

柴田是真作酢漿草蒔絵煙管筒と更紗煙草入れ
Title: Pipe and Pipe Case with Tobacco Pouch
Artist: Shibata Zeshin (Japanese, 1807–1891)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: early 19th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Pipe: iron, gold, and silver on wood; case: gold, silver hiramaki‑e on black lacquer; pouch: dyed cotton (sarasa) with metal fitting; netsuke: carved staghorn
Dimensions: Pipe case: W. 3/4 in.; D. 5/8 in.; L. 11 1/4 in.; Pipe: L.7 3/4 in.; Tobacco case: H. 2 3/4 in.; W. 4 1/8 in.; D. 1 1/2 in.; Netsuke: Diam. 1 1/2 in.
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Object Number: 2015.500.2.43a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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