Shōwa-period Paulownia Wood Hibachi, Japan

A paulownia wood hibachi from Japan's Shōwa period, designed as a round, globular volume; it looks solid and stately, its lines simple yet with great presence. The paulownia grain flows naturally, with light and dark tones interweaving into distinctive ripple and knot patterns; the grain of every wooden piece is different, and this “uniqueness” is the most appealing quality of vintage woodwork. Paired with a stand of the same wood, the whole looks more complete and sits more stably, lending the space the calm atmosphere of a Japanese tatami room. Inside is a copper liner — copper being heat-resistant and a good conductor of heat, a common arrangement in traditional hibachi — and with its lid it keeps out dust in everyday use and looks neater. Even if not used for burning, it is well suited as a display piece, storage container or flower vessel in a Japanese-style space. Wooden hibachi of this kind were common in Shōwa-period Japanese rooms, tea settings, ryokan and Japanese homes, objects combining everyday function with beauty; it suits collectors who love Japanese vintage pieces, the texture of woodwork and a wabi-sabi atmosphere. (With lid / with stand / copper liner inside; natural marks in the wood itself)