Pipe - Copper, Leather, Wood

Title: Antique Japanese Smoking Set (煙管セット / Kiseru set)
Craft: Metal engraving, lacquered leather craft
Dimensions:
Kiseru pipe: L 19.5 × Max. Diameter 1.1 cm (L 7.68 × Max. Diameter 0.43 in)
Tabakoire tobacco pouch: L 12.5 × W 7.2 × D 1.5 cm (L 4.92 × W 2.83 × D 0.59 in)
Kiserutsutsu pipe case: L 23.3 × W 3 × D 2 cm (L 9.17 × W 1.18 × D 0.79 in)
Ojime bead: Diameter 1.8 cm (Diameter 0.71 in)
Total weight: 138 g
Materials:
Kiseru pipe: Dark hardwood stem, copper;
Kiserutsutsu pipe case: Solid wood;
Tabakoire tobacco pouch: Leather base, lacquer, embossed metal plaque;
Accessory: Carved wooden ojime bead
Period: Late Meiji – Taisho to early Shōwa period, approx. 1900–1930

This is an antique portable Japanese smoking set dating from the Late Meiji to early Shōwa era. Sets of this style were widely used by samurai and townsfolk as traditional personal accessories in Japan.

The complete ensemble consists of a smoking pipe, pipe case, tobacco pouch and ojime bead, forming a classic waist-hung smoking kit.

The first piece is a Japanese kiseru (煙管). It features a dark hardwood stem reinforced with copper ferrules at both ends. The mouthpiece section is decorated with engraved floral motifs on brass. The bowl is crafted from brass and white copper, and the metal ferrule bears a maker’s mark.

The second piece is a kiserutsutsu (煙管筒), a wooden case finished in black and maroon lacquer with simulated snakeskin texture. It includes its original wooden stopper for housing the pipe.

The third piece is a tabakoire (煙草入れ), made of stitched leather. A metal plaque embossed with a dragon motif is mounted on the front. It is fitted with cordage and a wooden ojime bead, enabling the pouch to be connected to the pipe case for carrying.

All components remain as an original matched set, retaining the full historic configuration.

Integrating lacquer craft, leatherwork, metalwork and woodwork, this ensemble embodies the aesthetic of antique portable Japanese personal art. It is suitable for Japanese folk art collections, interior display and specialist smoking artefact collections.

Due to age, craquelure has formed on the lacquer of the leather pouch. Metal components show oxidation and verdigris. General wear, abrasion and scratches consistent with prolonged use are visible on surfaces. The wooden stem and lacquered case have no penetrating cracks. No repairs exist on any piece, and all parts stay structurally intact. Overall condition is good for its age.

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- The photographs form part of the item description. Minor colour difference may exist between the object and images due to camera hardware and screen display settings.
- The successful bidder will be responsible for any customs duties and taxes (if applicable).
- This item will be mailed by the postal service of Taiwan in the form of airmail with insurance attached.