Lotus flower with frog

October 2004

The Japanese pipe, referred to as kiseru, generally has a fixed concept. Characteristics are a small funnel-shaped bowl and a straight stem. Metal is the material used as standard, although the connecting part in the stem is often made of bamboo. This kiseru is completely different because the design is fully figurative. The bowl is shaped as the seed box of a lotus flower. The upper side is provided with holes in which white metal seeds can be seen, the funnel-shaped bowl made of silver is set in at the extreme end. The pipe stem is also worked out to nature and imitates the stem of the flower, a second twig curls playfully around the pipe stem and carries a closed red copper lotus bud near the bowl. At the mouthpiece, sitting on the stem, we see in high relief a copper frog that has been given playful eyes of gold. Finally, the stem end is cut diagonally and provided with seven small punctures like a real plant stem. This even includes a piece of silver. The tip is very ingeniously made, it can be screwed off to properly clean the pipe. A special detail is that when moving the pipe, the seed box makes the same sound as a real lotus rocking in the wind. When you move the pipe, the moveable white metal seeds emerge partly from the surface. All in all, we are admiring a very naturalistic design in delightful and skillful work with characteristic detailing that is specific to Japanese arts and crafts.

Amsterdam Pipe Museum APM 17.423

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