Dimensions: Height 19 cm Wide 21 cm Depth 12 cm
Weight: 1541 grams

Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912), 19th century

Comprising a rectangular lacquered wooden case decorated in gold hiramakie with scattered plum blossoms, the set combines the functions of a suzuribako (writing box) and tabakobon (portable smoking set). The hinged copper cover, decorated with an openwork mon in the form of a stylised leaf, opens to reveal compartments fitted with a square copper brazier insert and a circular space for a ceramic water pot. The front is arranged with three drawers, each with gilt floral pulls, used for storing writing implements, tobacco, or utensils.

The smoking set occupies the upper level with a copper brazier and a tinder box covered by a black lacquer knobbed lid set into the top surface of the case. A smoking pipe is horizontally suspended by two metal brackets from the case at the top of the front.

A drawer opens below to reveal an inkstone and water dropper for writing purposes. The interior of the two half-drawers below are lacquered black. The case is portable; the copper carrying handle is anchored to the sides at the top of the case with metal fittings shaped like paulownia blossoms (kiri). The brazier is also portable and has a carrying handle styled the same.