Recently in Kiseru Pipe Category

LSando.com has a new collection of Kiseru Pipes

Living Shop Ando [LSando.com] is to my knowledge the only authentic (geographically and culturally) Japanese pipe shop which offers international currency and shipping for its excellent selection of traditional Kiseru pipes, carrying cases and the exclusively Japanese Koiki tobacco used for Kiseru. I have personally purchased from them and consider them top-notch. (You can find pics and descriptions of my purchases HERE.)

Beautiful, isn't it?

Surely you recognize the kiseru (キセル)!!

Fans of samurai and history-based Japanese films have undoubtedly seen one of these being contemplatively smoked during discussions of either covert military strategies or flirtatious banter leading to kimono-less frolics on the tatami.

My new Kiseru arrived today from Japan thanks to the excellent service I received from Living Shop Ando, one of the only places selling these authentic pipes internationally. (I'll tell you about Ando below).

Here's (almost) everything you ever wanted to know about traditional Japanese キセル including what Japanese tobacco you put in it and how to get your own...