Turned-hardwood hibachi in Morse’s figure 198

Overview

The hibachi in Morse’s figure 198 has a rounded, slightly barrel-shaped body, a broad base and an open circular mouth. Dark curved grain lines sweep up the exterior and around its shoulders. A recessed inner rim outlines the opening, from which two slender iron rods project. The form differs from the angular box and separate pottery jar in the preceding figure: here the surrounding wooden body is itself turned from a single piece. Morse specifies oak or another hardwood and says that treatment brings the grain into relief. The drawing does not identify the exact species, finish recipe or dimensions of the example.

Morse states that the inside is lined with copper. The monochrome illustration helps locate the open interior but cannot establish the metal’s exact colour or the thickness of the lining. His surrounding discussion explains that hibachi contain ash and charcoal, with rods serving as fuel-handling tools. The larger class includes vessels in bronze, iron, ceramics and several wooden constructions; those other examples should not be combined into this object. In particular, the drawers, pearl inlay and black lacquer he recalls on another wooden heater are not features he assigns to figure 198.

The author describes an aged, richly coloured and polished example of this turned form as especially valued. This records his account of appearance and appreciation, not a price, a named owner’s judgment or a complete history of the particular illustrated object. His broader treatment connects portable heaters with visits, tea and warming the hands, but does not provide an individual use event for this one. The selected drawing and paragraph support a contextual material study of turning, grain and lining while leaving its maker, precise production place and age unspecified.

History & identity

Morse’s illustrated account, assembled from journals and sketches made during three residences in Japan with assistance from Japanese hosts and colleagues.

Sources & representation

Complete selected heating discussion, preface and introduction read; original figure and imprint context inspected.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings

   Edward S. Morse · 1889

   New York: Harper & Brothers,1889 printing; chapter IV, pp.214–219, figures197–198.

Language & cultural connections

Source-supported language and cultural connections have not yet been compiled for this profile.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Historical illustrated first-hand accountMorse’s hibachi account and original drawingsResearch access: 2026-10-21

Image credits

AI-generated material interpretation of a historical published form; not a photographed or authenticated specimen.