Pipe holder in the shape of a foreigner

Information

Title	Pipe holder in the shape of a foreigner
Date	c. 1910-1920

Height

20,1 cm

Object number	SH2024-MP-01
Credit Line	Collection Japan Museum SieboldHuis, donated by Tom Pieters en Marijs Pieters-Offermans, 2024

Description

This pipe holder is carved in the shape of a foreigner, recognisable by his exaggerated facial features. He has a gourd at his mouth and is staring ahead, cockeyed.

The pipes used during the Edo period (1603-1868) were called kiseru. They are usually straight, with a sharp curve upwards at the very end. To carry these without pockets, the kiseru-zutsu (pipe holder) was invented. It features holes to bind a cord to, by which it could be secured to the wide belt (obi). In this example, this hole is located in the hat of the figure.

Often such pipes also functioned as showpieces. Tabacco was an expensive import. Prominently carrying a pipe through a decorated pipe holder was a way to show your personal wealth.

Most likely, this example was never used as pipe holder. Around the end of the 19th century cigarettes were introduced in Japan. Kiseru pipes stopped seeing widespread useage soon afterwards.