Description
This item is a Tabaco Ire (たばこ入れ). The Fukuro (袋, pouch) and Kiseru-Dutsu (きせる筒, container of smoking pipe) are tied with metal chains and could be hung from the waist through a cord or belt. Tabaco Ire is a container to store chopped tobacco. In the early Edo period, it was considered elegant to wrap chopped tobacco in white paper. However, 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 by Samurai and ladies.
If you focus on the metal fitting of the Fukuro part, you would find the figures of a man pulling a horse with the reins. Horses have been around human life for a long time, not only as our food but also for transportation or carriage of luggage. In Japan, horses were thought of as vehicles for gods to be dedicated to shrines in ancient times. It is said it is the origin of Ema (絵馬, picture tablet used as an offering at a shrine) today. Horses had been used as a tool for rituals and festivals. After the age of the Samurai warriors appeared, wearing large armor or performing archery and riding a hose became martial arts. Equestrian tactics became the pillar of military action and security activities. According to a theory, that is the reason that the Japanese sword began to have a curve to make it suitable for slashing (the Japanese sword was straight in the beginning). In this way, horses are familiar animals to Japanese people for a long time.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
【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.
*Please keep in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, there might be possible delays in delivery. 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 smoking 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/
