This small round hibachi (brazier) is made of polished wood on the outside, with a metal bowl inset. The exterior is decorated with a pattern of grape leaves on a vine in gold. This hibachi may either be a miniature model or simply a small unit for ash and charcoal by which to light a pipe and tobacco.
A hibachi (literally "fire bowl") is a traditional heating device from Japan dating to at least the Heian period (798-1185). A typical hibachi is either round or box-shaped, hollow with an open top to hold burning charcoal. They were primarily used for heating, though occasionally for other purposes (as a cigarette lighter or portable stove) as well. Hibashi ("fire chopsticks") are metal chopsticks used to handle the burning coals.
