In the Edo Period (1603-1867), people in Japan used pipes called kiseru to smoke tobacco. Their search for a more comfortable and flexible smoking experience later led to the invention of portable smoking paraphernalia. These items often sported fine designs, each different according to their owners' aesthetic preference. Currently there are 2,400 such articles housed at the Tobacco and Salt Museum in Tokyo. Of them, the museum will showcase the top 200 that best represent the kind of delicate craftsmanship that balanced functionality and artistic beauty; Nov. 17-Jan. 14.

Tobacco and Salt Museum; (03) 3476-2041; 1-16-8 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Shibuya Station, JR Yamanote Line. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥100. Closed on Mon. (except Dec. 24, Jan. 14), Dec. 25, Dec. 29-Jan. 3. www.jti.co.jp/Culture/museum_e/index.html