Edo period, 19th century
Paulonia, kiri, wood with copper liner. Black, gold and coloured makie with shell and metal inlay.
25 (dia.) x 17.5 cm
The delight of this hibachi is its lively design of five dancing figures that circle the form. They are yakko, the lower rank samurai manservants who would be seen running in front of a travelling retinue carrying the everyday necessities of the great family. Here the artist has captured a joyful energy in the five bold forms that show a playful fluidity. In keeping with their lowly status no faces are shown, each hidden beneath the traditional wide straw hat.