This is a large, antique wooden shop sign from Japan, dating from the late 19th-early 20th century (approx. 80-100 years old). It once hung outside a shop (has holes for hooks along top surface). The name of the shop/product/company is carved and painted on both sides; the inscriptions are identical.
This antique Japanese paper stencil (Stencil N) has a wonderful design of Hydrangia (ajisai). It is made of several layers of laminated handmade Japanese paper (made with "kozo," the inner bark of the mulberry bush) then treated with persimmon paste, and finally smoked to render it waterproof and tough. The intricate design (which is "chu-mon" or medium-size) is cut into the paper by a master cutter-artisan. ...click for details
This antique Japanese paper stencil has a wonderful design of cherry blossoms and pine boughs. It is made of several layers of laminated handmade kozo (mulberry) paper (very strong!), then treated with persimmon paste, and finally smoked to render it waterproof and tough. Then the intricate design is cut into the paper by a master cutter-artisan.
This stencil was used for traditional Japanese rice paste-resist stencil ...click for details
This antique Japanese paper stencil has a wonderful design of starfish, done to look like a tie-dyed shibori motif. Each starfish is outlined with intricately cut sea foam--a really nice touch! It is made of several layers of laminated handmade kozo (mulberry) paper (very strong!), then treated with persimmon paste, and finally smoked to render it waterproof and tough. Then the intricate design is cut into the paper by a master cutter-artisan. ...click for details
This large gong, roughly carved as a fish, is the type used in Buddhist temples in Kyoto to call the monks to meal. It would have hung outside the kitchen. It is made of a solid piece of zelkova (keyaki in Japanese). The striker is also made of zelkova. It makes a wonderful sound when struck. Comes with striker (see pics).
This traditional, large wooden sake flask received its name--"tsuno-dare," horned sake flask-- because the vertical protrusions reminded some of horns. It is made of zelkova wood, constructed like a barrel; the coopered pieces of wood fit snugly together. All is held together with thick strips of plied bamboo. It has a large, wooden plug. It is lacquered red and black.
