A Japanese hammered copper charcoal brazier 火鉢 (hibachi) of double-gourd form, decorated on both sides with a bold design of paulownia 桐 (kiri) in gilt low relief. The warm reddish-brown hammered copper body is fitted on either side with warabite-shaped bail handles, attached to chrysanthemum-form backplates. The top is fitted with a domed openwork copper cover, worked in an interlacing geometric star pattern. Complete with a pair of long iron fire chopsticks 火箸 (hibashi), with pierced and sculpted handles, used for arranging the charcoal. The paulownia decoration is arranged in the traditional 5-7-5 configuration, referring to the number of blossoms on the three flowering stems. This form of paulownia crest is known as go-shichi-no-kiri 五七桐. Complete with its original inscribed wooden storage box 供箱 (tomo’bako). Period: Japan, Taishô period (1912-1926) Dimensions: Height 25 cm, Diameter 22 cm. In very good condition with some minor traces of age and use. The copper has developed an attractive, naturally varied patina with superficial traces. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition. When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.