Tobacco box and pipe holder (tanpakuop) c. late 19th century

This exquisitely carved tobacco box and pipe holder was made by an anonymous Japanese artist. It provides a fascinating glimpse into a specific moment in Japanese social history. During the Edo period, from the 17th to the mid-19th century, tobacco use became deeply entrenched in Japanese culture, influencing social rituals and artistic expression. Smoking accessories, like this meticulously crafted set, transcended mere functionality to become symbols of status and taste. The intricate carvings and refined materials indicate a patron of considerable means. The designs are very important because they reflect social status, the rising merchant class, and the culture of the time. To understand this tanpaku-ire, we can draw upon a range of historical sources, from sumptuary laws regulating personal adornment to the woodblock prints depicting fashionable urban life. These resources illuminate the complex interplay between art, commerce, and social identity in Edo-period Japan.