{"product_id":"antique-japanese-tonkotsu-turned-wood-tobacco-container-with-ash-cup-netsuke","title":"Antique Japanese \"tonkotsu\" turned wood tobacco container with ash cup netsuke","description":"\u003cp\u003eA lovely simplistic piece of functional woodwork from a time in Japan where pipe smoking was ubiquitous. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 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). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDating to the early 20th Century. Late Meiji - Taisho Era. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe box measures 8cm wide x 3.8cm tall + the string and netsuke. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFound in Tokyo on our last trip. \u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kanso House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57239494164785,"sku":null,"price":165.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0843\/2399\/1857\/files\/Vintage_Japanese_Turned_Wood_Tonkotsu_Tobacco_container-1.jpg?v=1793487865","url":"https:\/\/kansohouse.com.au\/products\/antique-japanese-tonkotsu-turned-wood-tobacco-container-with-ash-cup-netsuke","provider":"Kanso House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}