Charcoal Basket Netsuke (19067)

Meiji Period (1868-1912) boxwood manju type Japanese netsuke of a charcoal basket or sumikago.  The person owning this netsuke was most likely someone who did tea ceremony.  The basket is specific to this use and many were even brought from China for their weave.  The charcoal is of the type called Bincho Tan (Bincho Charcoal)  made of Oak branches from Wakayama.  A great Sado or tea ceremony subject.