Antique
Japanese Bone Tsutsu
Kiseruzutsu
Scenery Motif
Signature: unsigned, Circa: early 1900s'
H 8.7 in.(22cm), W 1.25 in.(3cm), D 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: Very Good Traditionally
called a ‘tsutsu’ the Japanese pipe case was an essential accoutrement along with
the netsuke in the Tokugawa through the early Shoji eras.. Similar to the “inro”
the tsutsu was suspended by a combination of silk cord and “ojime”. The Japanese
pipe case is made to specifically hold the kiseru, a long stemmed and tiny bowl
pipe that holds no more than three-puffs of tobacco. This elegant ivory 19th century
pipe case is delicately carved with a traditional pastoral scene replete with
traditional Japanese thatch-roof houses farmhouses and sculpturally evocative
mountains. This ‘tsutsu’ is in excellent condition and is an excellent example
of Japanese craftsmanship and artistry.
Private Collection
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