Japanese Kiri Wood Hibachi with Makie Lacquer Design

Japanese and Chinese antiques and art from B & C

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All Items: Archives:Regional Art:Asian:Japanese: Pre 1920: item # 719412

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B & C Antiques
P. O. Box 291
Derby, CT 06418
203-929-7312

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Japanese Kiri Wood Hibachi with Makie Lacquer Design

This lovely round Japanese personal-sized hibachi (te-aburi) or brazier was crafted from paulownia (kiri) wood and boldly decorated with rich gold makie lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay. Early 20th century, Meiji/Taisho period. The front of the thick, densely-grained kiri wood body is decorated with a large gray takamakie (raised) lacquer stalk of bamboo with accents of gold lacquer. The bamboo leaves are rendered in heavy gold takamakie lacquer and sprinkled nashiji (pearskin) lacquer, and one of the leaves is inlaid with mother-of-pearl. A bird rendered in gold takamakie lacquer perches on a smaller gold lacquer stem that diagonally crosses the main stalk. The reverse is simply decorated with small gold makie and nashiji lacquer leaves and tiny red berries. The original copper liner is fitted into the interior, and there is a mark stamped on the base with looks like the numeral “85.”

Paulownia is a light, strong wood that has long been prized by Japanese craftsmen for making furniture. Although normally closely grained in a straight pattern, the kiri wood used in this hibachi has an exceptional swirling grain, and the surface has developed a rich patina over the years.

A te-aburi is a personal-size hand warmer, smaller than a conventional hibachi. The lower part of the warmer was filled with ash on which a few small, glowing pieces of charcoal were placed, thus heating the surrounding pottery walls. During the Meiji period, in homes where such luxuries could be afforded, custom demanded that whenever a visitor arrived in winter, the first act of hospitality would be to set a small personal warmer next to the guest to provide comfort in an otherwise unheated reception room. Te-aburi were made to be used by one of two persons at most.

CONDITION is excellent, with only slight wear considering its age and usage. There appears to be a water stain on the base. DIMENSIONS: 9” (22.8 cm) diameter, 9” (22.8 cm) high.