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Updated: 12 Oct 2024

Antique Tobacco Case-Tabaco Ire and Kiseru Set (Kiseru-15)

$1,315.94

SIZE (approx.)

Length Weight
Tabaco Ire 15.5cm 405g
Kiseru 21.0cm 104g

You can enlarge all the photos to see the detail of the item.

In stock

SKU: Kiseru-15 Category:

Description
 This set item includes a Tabaco Ire (たばこ入れ) and a Kiseru (きせる/煙管). Tabaco Ire is a container to store chopped tobacco. It was considered elegant to wrap chopped tobacco in a white paper in the early Edo period. But people who were engaged in outdoor works tied it to a handmade purse and hung it on their waist. In addition, some people remodeled and used the Douran (胴乱, a case to store valuables or gunpowder). This way, Tabaco Ire gradually spread among ordinary people and reached the upper class. Various types of Tabaco Ires were made; Sage-Tabaco Ire (提げたばこ入れ, hang from the waist) and Kaichu-Tabaco Ire (懐中たばこ入れ, put inside of Kimono) are the typical styles. It is said the latter type was appreciated, especially Samurais and ladies. 

 Kiseru is a type of smoking equipment for chopped tobacco, and it looks similar to a pipe. Before cigarettes became the primary current in Japan, it was the most common smoking method. It consists of the following parts: Gankubi (雁首), Rau/Rao (羅宇), and Suikuchi (吸口). There is a Hizara (火皿) at the tip of Gankubi. Hizara is the part where you put the chopped tobacco and ignite it. Gankubi is the head part of a Kiseru, excluding Hizara. Rau (also called Rao) is a tube through which cigarette smoke passes. Suikuchi is a mouthpiece. Gankubi, Hizara, and Suikuchi are usually made of metal to give durability. However, Rau/Rao part is often made from bamboo, and ebony was sometimes used for luxury Kiserus. On the other hand, there are also Kiserus made from metal. Gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, and zinc were used. 

 *As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.




This Tabaco Ire features a charming accessory with a mouse sitting atop the conch shell, known as “horagai” (法螺貝). The conch shell originates from Hinduism and is closely linked to the teachings of Buddha. Historically, Yamabushi (mountain ascetics) used it to convey sermons.  The conch was brought to Japan around 806 AD by monks like Kukai (空海) and Saicho (最澄), who returned from Tang China, with five of the eight bringing conch shells. Its sound represents the teachings of Buddha, making it a sacred instrument in Japanese esoteric Buddhism. The conch is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols in Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing purity and the dissemination of Buddhist teachings.

The cute mice depicted on the conch shell is known as the vehicle of the famous god Ganesha in Indian mythology. Hinduism is said to be one of the origins of Buddhism, and both religions share many cultural and religious connections. The deities and beliefs of Hinduism have influenced Buddhist teachings and symbols, fostering a deep exchange between the two traditions.




【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. 

【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/

In stock

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