Antique Meiji Era Japanese Bronze Kiseru w/ Bone Case & Pouch

This is an antique Japanese kiseru (煙管)from the 1800's late Edo or early Meiji. It has a bronze mouth piece and bronze bowl with bamboo center. It is quite elegant and compact and still has a nice draw. Along with a warm centuries old patina, this kiseru has a good draw and is still very functional.

The case is made of deer antler which has a leather tobacco pouch and an engraved inro. 

The kiseru is a traditional Japanese smoking pipe, characterized by its slender metal tip and a long, elegant bamboo stem. Used primarily for smoking finely shredded tobacco, the kiseru became a symbol of refinement and status in Japanese culture, particularly during the Edo period. Its compact bowl allowed for brief yet mindful smoking sessions, aligning with the Japanese appreciation for subtlety and ritual. Smoking with a kiseru was not only about enjoying tobacco, but also about engaging in a meditative practice, often shared among friends in intimate tea rooms or while contemplating nature. Today, the kiseru remains an iconic object, representing a timeless fusion of artistry, relaxation, and cultural tradition.