Hibachi. Edo era, Japan, first half of the 19th century.

Hibachi. Edo era, Japan, first half of the 19th century.
Bronze.
Measurements: 26 x 19 x 19 cm.

This hibachi or bronze domestic brazier is a utilitarian and decorative piece of great refinement, belonging to the Edo period. It stands out for its elegant lobed silhouette in the shape of a gourd, traditional symbol of longevity and good health in Asian culture. The lid is crowned with a meticulously sculpted finial in the form of a shishi or guardian lion playing with a sphere, a protective motif intended to symbolically guard the contents of the vessel and the home.

The work reflects the mastery of the late Edo-era casters through a deep, dark patina that enhances the reliefs of mythological masks on the shoulders. The body rests on three curved tripod-like feet and has a large poly-lobed front opening, designed to facilitate the combustion and handling of the charcoal inside.