Antique Japanese Brass Mixed Metal Lidded Smoking Box | Tabako-bon, Taisho Pro, 1915

Dimensions: 2-3/4”h x 6-1/2”w x 3-1/8”d

This item is a rare item for most of the smaller ones are to hold rolled cigarettes. This one was specifically made to hold all form of smoking substance (canabus and tobacco). This brass and copper smoking box is from the Taisho Period (1912-1926) and a type of Japanese antique used to accommodate multiple purposes including rolled cigarettes and smoking pipes. These boxes were often crafted with intricate designs and as you see here is a lattice motif in copper inlayed patterns on the top and contested of deep carving as you see here on the interior lids. The piece has copper moveable side handles. This tobacco storage box is from the early Taisho era and approximately bout years old. The piece has a hinged lid and an interior tray that lifts out having four hinged doors revealing three containers to gain access to various substances. Included is the original bamboo carved pipe (kiseru) in perfect condition, and used for smoking fine-cut tobacco or other substances popular during this period. The container has an odor of smoking products. The container is unsigned.

In Japan during the Taisho era (1912-1926), the primary substance smoked was tobacco, according to Mitsui Fine Arts. The use of fine narcotics such as cannabis and other more serious drugs became known “daimyo” (Lord) tobacco and often mixed with finely processed tobacco, and increased in Japan and its territories for everyday use as well as for religious rituals and textiles. However, it’s important to note that the main smoked by both men and women in Japan during the Taisho period was tobacco (Mimasaka, Mito and Kizami). Loose and rolled Cigarettes were later introduced after the Meiji Restoration in 1868.

Collectible Condition: This type of box are considered collectible antiques and are appreciated for their historical significance, artistic merit, and the quality of their craftsmanship. That said, it shows wear from aging and use and that said is sold “as is” with ages of character (marks, surface imperfections) and functions as designed. NOTE: No matter how much one searches this type of Takako-bon has not been seen for the only ones that are listed are small hand-held mixed metal cigarette boxes.