The hibachi is a traditional Japanese heating device (circa 1890-1910). It consists of an open-topped container made from or lined with a heatproof material and designed to hold burning charcoal. A mesh grill was often placed on top of the charcoal container area for the heating or cooking of various foods, or just for warming tea, etc. However, they were most often used for warming small Japanese homes. Also, traditional hibachis were originally used mainly by the samurai classes and aristocrats but gradually spread among the general population. There are five small storage drawers and a tea serving board which lies next to the bronze charcoal container. There is a glass top which has been fitted over the charcoal basin where decorative objects can sit. There is a small bit of damage to one corner but overall in good vintage condition commensurate with its age.
I lived in Japan from 1979 - 1982 and brought this piece back with me.
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
I'm afraid the wear/losses to the corners are going to negatively impact the value of this hibachi cabinet (if it did not have that, this would be worth more like $400-600).
See this link for comparable examples recently sold at auction: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/search/?keyword=hibachi%20cabinet&sort=-saleStart&status=archive
If you'd like for your appraisal to include dimensions, which is customary, please forward in the comments section - at your convenience - the height, width and depth and I'll update this ASAP.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique Japanese brass and iron mounted elm hibachi cabinet
late 19th/early 20th Century
Of rectangular section, the top partially fitted with a deep metal (or foil) lined well, the corresponding case with applied iron decoration and fitted with brass mounted drawers (three short drawers stacked to the side, two short drawers along the bottom).
(DIMENSIONS)
CONDITION: losses to proper left front corner
PROVENANCE: acquired in Japan in the late 1970s/early 1980s
$150-250*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.
Please log in to your Mearto account to contact this seller or make an offer on this item.