< Back

A Superb Old Japanese Jizaikagi Hearth Hook 19th Century Japan


Enquire About This Artworks >
Collection No. TB-2754
Size 41cm x 40cm
The Art of Compassion The Todd Barlin Collection
Asian Buddhist Art Todd Barlin Collection
Oceanic Arts Australia - Abelam Art Tribal Art
Oceanic Arts Australia - Asian Art Natural Wood
Oceanic Arts Australia Aboriginal Bark Painting

This beautiful Japanese Hearth Hook called Jizaikagi is dating from the 19th Century.

This very fine old Jizaikagi in the form of the hat worn by the Shinto God Daikoku. Carved from heavy dark hardwood.

An irori (囲炉裏, 居炉裏) is a traditional Japanese sunken hearth fired with charcoal. Used for heating the home and for cooking food, it is essentially a square, stone-lined pit in the floor, equipped with an adjustable pothook – called a Jizaikagi (自在鉤) and generally consisting of an iron rod within a bamboo tube – used for raising or lowering a suspended pot or kettle by means of an attached lever.

The Jizaikagi come in different forms like this example designed in the style of the hat worn by the Shinto God Daikoku the God of Agriculture which was believed to bring prosperity thereby the Jizai being given the nickname of Daikoku Jizai.

Historically irori served as the main source of residential heating and lighting, providing a place to cook, dry clothing, and serve as a communal gathering location.

It is not known when the Jizaikagi was invented but it was already in use in the Muromachi period 1336 to 1573.

Provenance: The Todd Barlin Collection of Asian & Oceanic Art

INQUIRE HERE

If you have a similar “object” for sale please contact me for the best price and honest advice by a Government approved valuer 

To see many more rare items and the finest masterpieces, please make an appointment with us to visit the gallery.

For all inquiries, please contact us.