Japanese openwork hibachi in Kiri (Paulownia) and Akaki (Persimmon) wood, late Edo period – 19th century

A superb circular Japanese hibachi, carved from a block of kiri (Paulownia) and enhanced with akaki (Persimmon) inlays, two precious woods prized for their heat resistance and natural beauty. Dating from the 19th century, this domestic brazier is distinguished by a rare openwork structure, designed to allow heat to circulate while visually lightening the mass of the wood.

The interior retains its original hammered brass tub, patinated by time. The wood has a spectacular grain, polished by use, which reveals a patina of exceptional depth, mixing amber reflections and brown nuances.

The assembly keys and inlays visible on the edge are not later restorations but an element of aesthetic design, evoking ancient Japanese repairs called chigiri. This deliberate choice places the piece in a wabi-sabi aesthetic, celebrating the beauty of time, altered material, and the artisanal gesture. The perfect execution of these inlays, with their silky polish, transforms the object into a true utilitarian sculpture, where function blends into art.

This hibachi embodies the quintessence of Japanese domestic refinement: a balance between function, material, and the philosophy of time. With its openwork shape, deep patina, and dialogue between light kiri and persimmon in different shades, it stands out as a rare and meditative piece, a testament to an ancestral art of living.

Dimensions: Diameter approx. 44 cm – Height approx. 21.5 cm

Period: Late Edo – 19th century

Materials: Kiri (Paulownia) and akaki (Persimmon) wood, hammered brass interior