Antique Japanese Tobacco Tray, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-783

Japanese Tabako-bon Tobacco Tray Set | Antique Desk Organizer & Living Room Accent, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-783

A complete handcrafted tabako-bon with lacquered inner tray, blue-and-white porcelain ash cup, and pull-out drawers -- a rare surviving set in exceptional condition.

A tabako-bon is a traditional Japanese smoking set used to hold all the accessories needed for pipe smoking -- tobacco, a small fire pot for lighting, and an ash receptacle. This fine example from the Early Showa period features a boldly grained hardwood frame, possibly kaki (persimmon) or a similarly dense Japanese hardwood, displaying dramatic dark-on-amber striping across every panel. The open upper compartment houses a removable lacquered insert fitted with a circular recessed well for the hi-ire (fire pot), while the insert's surrounding surface is decorated in lacquer with a delicate floral motif in muted coral and gold tones -- a quiet flourish of handcrafted Japanese artistry. A separate black lacquered ash bowl completes the inner fittings. Below, several small pull-out drawers with round metal knobs provided storage for tobacco and pipe-cleaning tools, each drawer retaining smooth action consistent with quality joinery. The tall arched carry handle, joined with mortise-and-tenon construction, gives the piece the architectural elegance typical of Japanese antique craft objects made for daily ritual use.

Today this tabako-bon set makes a striking living room accent or study display in a Japandi-style or wabi-sabi interior. Styled on a console, sideboard, or low shelf, the open tray can hold a tea cup, small succulents, or a candle grouping, while the small drawers are perfectly sized for jewelry, pens, business cards, or loose keys -- making it an elegant entryway organizer or desk accent. The blue-and-white porcelain cup, decorated with swirling dragon motifs in cobalt blue, is also entirely usable as a small vessel on its own. As a complete set with all original components intact, this is a rare find and would make a distinguished gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese antique objects with genuine daily history.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood frame (possibly kaki/persimmon); black lacquered inner insert with floral decoration; black lacquered metal ash bowl; blue-and-white porcelain cup with cobalt dragon motif; metal drawer knobs
• Use: Tabako-bon -- a portable Japanese smoking set for holding pipe tobacco, a fire pot, and an ash bowl, along with small drawers for accessories
• Modern Use: Living room decorative accent or Japandi-style display piece; entryway organizer with small drawers for keys and cards; desk accessory holder with the porcelain cup repurposed as a pen or brush cup
• Features: Arched carry handle with mortise-and-tenon joinery; open upper compartment with removable lacquered insert featuring a circular recessed well and floral lacquer decoration; separate black lacquered ash bowl; multiple small pull-out drawers with round metal knobs; dramatically grained hardwood exterior; complete set with all original components
• Dimensions: 8"W x 8"D x 12"H
• Condition: Excellent -- all components present and intact; age-appropriate patina to wood and lacquer consistent with period use

A beautifully complete piece of Japanese antique craft -- the tabako-bon brings quiet ritual beauty and functional storage to any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.