Tabakobon (tobacco tray)

This tobacco tray is thought to have been used by a kabuki (Japanese traditional play) actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII (1791-1859). Several symbols associated with Danjuro can be seen on the tray. The charcoal container in the center has his well-known "kama-wa-nu" pattern. The pattern is expressed by a sickle (kama), circle (wa), and Japanese character (nu). It means "No problem". The crest of Danjuro is depicted on kiseru (Japanese pipe). The gourd-shaped window of the tray is also related to him.