Japan, late 19th century Of octagonal shape, carved from several separate pieces attached together in the form of a pagoda on four feet with a turned revolving finial and four revolving doors lacquered in red and gold takamaki-e with Tekkai Sennin exhaling his anima, Shaen reading a book under a firefly lamp, Chinnan Sennin floating over waves on a large sedge hat, and Urashima Taro on the back of a turtle, all on a black ground. The backs of the doors with brass and wood fittings for three cigars and decorated with gold takamaki-e of butterflies and flowers on a nashiji ground. The rest of the body and pedestal decorated with floral sprays, blossoming branches, and birds, with one drawer, probably for matches, with nashiji on the interior. Gilt metal fittings to the drawer as well as the corners and edges. Cigar dispensers such as this one were popular in Europe during the 19th century but as cigar smoking was much rarer in Japan during this time, it is very likely that this piece was made for export. HEIGHT 38.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear to the lacquer and metal mountings, expected surface wear, one metal fitting missing. Provenance: German private collection.