159 - AN EXCEPTIONAL SILVER-FITTED LACQUER ‘GAGAKU INSTRUMENTS’ TABAKO-BON (PORTABLE SMOKING SET)

AN EXCEPTIONAL SILVER-FITTED LACQUER ‘GAGAKU INSTRUMENTS’ TABAKO-BON (PORTABLE SMOKING SET) Japan, 19th century, late Edo (1615-1868) to Meiji period (1868-1912) Of rectangular form, the finely fitted smoking set surmounted by a tall twisted-silver handle and fitted with three drawers, each applied with ingenious silver pulls modeled as a biwa lute and flutes. The open upper compartment is set with two shaped rests supporting a bamboo-stem kiseru (tobacco pipe) with finely worked mixed-metal fittings, together with a removable hiire (fire container) in the form of a taiko drum and a haifuki (ash receptacle) modeled as a sho (vertical mouth organ). Both are exceptionally detailed in silver and mixed metals, finely engraved with dragons, scrolling foliage, and clouds. The upper section is enclosed by a remarkable series of twenty-two suspended rectangular plaques in silver, gold, shibuichi, and other metals, variously engraved and worked with karakusa, rinzu, and other textile-inspired patterns. Two larger silver plaques are finely decorated with butterflies amid blossoms, while the corners and structural joins are reinforced with elaborate silver mounts. The lacquered exterior is richly decorated in gold and silver takamaki-e and hiramaki-e on a lustrous roiro ground, further embellished with kirigane and applied gold foil. The continuous landscape depicts a river winding through pine-covered hills, with bridges, boats, and scattered courtly objects including a fan and box. The drawer interiors are finished in polished roiro with scattered silver flakes and fundame rims. SIZE 23 x 14 x 27 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear. Tiny nicks, slight rubbing, an age crack to the front edge, expected minor losses to kirigane and gold foil, and tarnishing and minute warping to the silver fittings. Remarkably well-preserved for this type. The ingenious fittings transform the principal instruments of Japanese court music into functional elements of the smoking set. The sho forms the ash receptacle, the taiko the fire container, while the drawer pulls take the forms of a biwa and flutes. These instruments are closely associated with gagaku, the ceremonial music of the Imperial court, and bugaku, the dances traditionally performed to its accompaniment. Gagaku assumed much of its classical form during the Heian period (794-1185) and remains part of Imperial, Shinto, and Buddhist ceremonial traditions today. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related silver fitted lacquer tabako-bon depicting blossoms and birds, dated 19 th century, 19.8 x 14.3 x 23.5 cm, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 12 June 2026, Vienna, lot 204 (sold for EUR 19,500).