Rare Japanese Tabako-bon Tobacco Tray | Edo–Meiji Maki-e Lacquer

This extremely rare Japanese tabako-bon is a traditional tobacco tray used for smoking with a kiseru (long-stem pipe). These elegant smoking sets were widely used from the late Edo period (1603–1867) through the Meiji era (1868–1912) and served both practical and social purposes.

Crafted from wood and finished in deep black lacquer, this piece is beautifully decorated with gold maki-e floral motifs, a hallmark of 19th-century Japanese decorative arts. The set includes its original metal containers, showing honest age patina consistent with authentic use.

Tabako-bon were often placed in reception rooms or tea spaces, reflecting the owner’s taste, refinement, and social status.

This example was acquired directly from a Japanese Government Antique Auction, confirming its authenticity and provenance.

Key Features & Components

🟢 Hi-ire (火入れ / Brazier)
The larger metal bowl held glowing charcoal used to light the kiseru pipe.

🟢 Haibe (灰部 / Ash Container)
The smaller metal compartment, sometimes lidded, was used to knock out and collect spent tobacco ash.

🟢 Lacquer & Maki-e Decoration
Black lacquer body with elegant gold floral designs, typical of late Edo to Meiji craftsmanship.

🟢 Functional Storage
Many tabako-bon designs include internal storage for loose tobacco or smoking tools.

✅ Highlights
✅ Authentic Edo–Meiji period tabako-bon
✅ Traditional kiseru smoking accessory
✅ Wood construction with original metal fittings
✅ Gold maki-e floral lacquer decoration
✅ Hi-ire and haibe both present
✅ From Japanese Government Antique Auction
✅ Rare survivor of Japanese daily-life culture

📦 Condition Notice
This is an antique item over 100 years old.
Visible wear, lacquer loss, surface scratches, and metal patina are present and expected with age. No structural damage observed.
This item is in fair antique condition, consistent with its age and historical use. One wood panel is missing, and there is visible wear to the lacquer, surface scratches, and patina to the metal components. These signs of age add to its authenticity and character.

👉 Please review all photos carefully and judge the condition for yourself.

💰 Pricing Note
The price has been adjusted accordingly to reflect the item’s condition, age-related wear, and the missing wood panel. This offers a rare opportunity to own an authentic historical piece at a more accessible price.

Historical Context
Tabako-bon were central to social interaction in Japan, especially in tea rooms and guest spaces. Offering tobacco was part of hospitality, and the quality of the tabako-bon reflected refinement and cultural awareness.

Today, authentic examples with intact metal components and decorative lacquer are increasingly difficult to find.

📢 Important Shipping Policy Update
To ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.
Orders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.

📦 Condition
Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.