A Japanese jizai hearth hook of keyaki (zelkova), a type of Asian elm. The hook was used to suspend a kettle over the irori, or interior sunken hearth. The Ebisu type, or "J" form hook with faceted edges and two projecting pegs from which it would have been suspended from the ceiling. Unlike most "J" form Ebisu hooks, this example unusually wide and particularly dramatic sculptural form. The crotch of the hook with several heavy grooves from wear of the kettle rope. With patination and encrustation from the smoke and heat of the hearth fire. 19th century 18 ¾" x 18 ¾" x 7 ¾" thick
