CHARCOAL FOOT WARMER, Covered with inscribed washi paper, Edo Period (1603–1867 CE)

A charcoal foot warmer with a gently rounded cylindrical body, fitted with a vertically elongated opening and a large front aperture. A rectangular fire insert is set into the front. The body appears to have been formed and fired from a white-mud clay or a ceramic clay close to tile earth, and its surface is wrapped in multiple layers of washi paper bearing ink inscriptions.

An anka, a small charcoal foot warmer, held burning charcoal set in ash and was covered with a futon to warm the hands and feet. Unlike a hearth or brazier, it was used as a portable heating implement that could be carried to the place where it was needed and kept close at hand.

The outer covering preserves paper seams and traces of repair, and faded ink inscriptions appear at various points across the surface. The tea-brown discoloration of the washi, together with the irregular remnants of script, creates a surface marked by the object’s history of use.

There is wear and soiling from age, and the washi paper shows tears and lifting. Internal ash will be removed prior to shipment and is not included with the object.