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Antique Japanese "tonkotsu" turned wood tobacco container with ash cup netsuke

Antique Japanese "tonkotsu" turned wood tobacco container with ash cup netsuke

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Regular price $165.00
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A lovely simplistic piece of functional woodwork from a time in Japan where pipe smoking was ubiquitous. 

This turned box is called a tonkotsu, no relation to the fried pork cutlet that shares its name. Sometimes also referred to as a tabako-ire, the container would have contained tobacco to be put into a pipe (called a kiseru).

The toggle at the other end of the string is a functional type of netsuke. It serves two purposes, First, to secure the tobacco container to the Obi, a sash belt that is tied around the kimono. Kimono's did not have pockets so containers and purses were often secured to the obi in this way. Secondly, this type of netsuke is called an ash cup or pipe striker. Its used to tap the pipe and empty the burnt tobacco after use. 

A curious object from an era in Japan before cigarette smoking became widely adopted. Inside the Tonkotsu, the owners name has been written. This belonged to a person called Shimizu Sakae.

Dating to the early 20th Century. Late Meiji - Taisho Era. 

The box measures 8cm wide x 3.8cm tall + the string and netsuke. 

Found in Tokyo on our last trip. 
 

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Kanso House is an online store, occasionally hosting popups in Victoria, Australia.

We are a family run small business with a passion for beautiful functional objects.

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Genuine Antiques and Vintage from Japan

We hand pick our Antiques and Vintage items from Japan. We scour temple markets, antique shops and visit Antique dealers to find the most interesting and beautiful objects we can. We focus on authenticity, style and construction. Ensuring that you are getting the very best from Japan.

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Patina

Patina is something earned over years of use and care, we like to leave it on as much as possible as it adds to the authenticity and story of each piece. Daniel has been restoring Japanese Antiques for 25 years, over that time he has learned both traditional and modern techniques for repairing and caring for treasured pieces.

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All of our pieces are guaranteed original and authentic, each piece is researched to ensure our descriptions are as accurate as possible. We love history and discovering all about the artefacts we uncover for you.