Description
This set comprises a tabako-ire (たばこ入れ, tobacco pouch) and a kiseru (キセル/煙管, pipe). A tabako-ire is a pouch for shredded tobacco (kizami). In early Edo, tobacco was often wrapped in white paper, but people who worked outdoors tied it to a small handmade purse and hung it at the waist; some also repurposed the dōran (胴乱, a small case for valuables or gunpowder). Over time the tabako-ire spread from commoners to the upper classes. Typical forms are the sage-tabako-ire (提げたばこ入れ, worn from the obi) and the kaichū-tabako-ire (懐中たばこ入れ, kept inside the kimono), the latter favored by samurai and women.
The kiseru was Japan’s standard smoking implement before cigarettes. It consists of the gankubi (雁首, metal bowl assembly) with a tiny hizara (火皿, fire bowl) at the tip, the central stem rao/rau (羅宇)—often bamboo, sometimes ebony—and the suikuchi (吸口, mouthpiece). The ends are usually metal for durability; luxury examples may be entirely of metal (gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, zinc alloys).
Design-wise, the pipe body is engraved with a hanabishi (花菱, “flower-diamond”) motif that transitions into flowing grasses. The tabako-ire is suspended from the sash by a metal kanagu (金具) and toggle (often a netsuke 根付 with an ojime 緒締め). The clasp shows a robust figure restraining a kimono-clad man, while the accessory depicts a swordsman subduing a tiger—crisp, narrative scenes that contrast with the pipe’s geometric and plant patterns.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
【Payment method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.
【Antique Japanese item and Export process】
After receiving the full payment from you, we will apply for its export permit from the Board of Education to legally export the item to other countries. It normally takes around 2 to 4 weeks to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1.0 – 1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.
【Shipping duration】
We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order.
We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.
*If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.
【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.
It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of antique item and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
Would you like see some more antique items for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite Tsuba.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/antique/
