Vintage Japanese Black Lacquer Hibachi Brasier with Copper Insert | Sumidemai Tea Ceremony

Dimensions: 10-0”h x 10-3/4”dia

There are many unique and beautiful pieces of equipment used during a Japanese tea ceremony, each with a specific purpose and storied history. Usually called dougu - (utensils/equipment) by practitioners of tea, this equipment is often used exclusively for chanoyu. 

Designed to hold glowing embers, hibachi vessels are used for many tasks but this specific tool was used for heating water for tea, and referred to as a Hibachi (Brazier or heating device). The host places charcoal or fragrant wood inside the copper liner in which a Kama, (kettle, see photo - not included) is placed to heat the water for making tea. As for the tea ceremony (Sumidemae) for which this was used, this brasier was brought into the room together with other tea ceremony utensils. This early 20th-century hibachi is lined with a cylindrical copper liner inset. A beautiful example of Japanese black lacquer, (urushi), with a 2-0” vermillion, (orange-red), Kamakura-bori lacquered, relief banding with chrysanthemum flower motif interspersed through the band. Such support furniture is rarely signed and the maker is unknown.

Condition: Excellent for the lacquer has only minor blemishes on the exterior surfaces from minimal use and the underneath side is slightly marred from adjacent surface friction on which it was placed. The vermillion banding is original and in perfect condition and retains all the original craft/workmanship. There is no sign of discoloration, cracking, or structural damage. If not used as a decorative antique item, this elegant hibachi is used today in Japan as a jardinière for orchids or to support an Ikebana arrangement.