A pair of men-tori gourd shaped sake flasks by Living National Treasure Kondo Yuzo enclosed in the original signed wooden box. One flask is decorated in blue with bamboo and the characters Sei-Fu (pure wind). The second is dated in blue and pink with pomegranates with the inscription “For the use of Yuzo, October 27, 1976”. Both are signed on the base. It is likely these came from the artists own personal collection. Each stands roughly 5 inches (13 cm) tall...

Toshi Yoshida (1911~1995)
Depicting: Snowy street
Print size: 5.5 x 3.75 inches.
A woodblock print tipped at the top to a Japanese Christmas card from 1953.
Bears the Yoshida seal.
Condition: Excellent.

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Berry motif; Japan, early 20th C. 6-piece sweet mold. L.13"(33cm) x W.1.75"(3.5cm) x H.0.375"(1cm.) Condition Note: Bottom piece of mold only. No top cover. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia. In Europe; countries such as Germany, Holland, and England have a rich history of cake mold production...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Kame (turtle) motif; Japan, early 20th C. Paddle-type mold to make 4 pieces sweets. L.13.75"(35cm) x W.2"(5cm) x H.1"(2.5cm.) The turtle symbolizes long life in many Asian cultures and was a popular motif for celebratory occasions such as weddings and New Year's. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Sakura (Cherry Blossom) motif; Japan, early 20th C. Paddle-type mold to make 2 pieces sweets. L.14.25"(36cm) x W.3.5"(8.75cm) x H. 0.75"(2cm.) The cherry blossom is a well-known symbol of spring, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life in Japanese culture. Most likely, these molds were used for sweets in the spring season. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Shiitake Mushroom motif; Japan, early 20th C. Paddle-typ mold to make 4 piece sweets. L.14"(36cm) x W.2.75"(7cm) x H. .875"(2.25cm.) Condition Note: Insect damage to side of paddle. The wrinkled cap of the shiitake mushroom symbolizes old age and long life. It was used as a symbol of such on celebratory occasions. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Ninjin (carrot) motif; Japan, early 20th C. Paddle-type mold with handle. L.12.375"(31.5cm) x W.3.25"(8cm) x H.1.25"(3cm.) Name of confectionery "Shirokiya" on side. Condition Note: minor insect damage to back of paddle. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Noshi Kombu (kelp wrapper) motif; Japan, early 20th C. L.8.5"(21cm) x W.3.625"(9.25cm) x H. .75"(2.25cm.) Condition Note: Only bottom piece of mold. No top cover. The symbol of the kelp wrapper is used for all celebratory occasions. This is the traditional wrapping (now string or ribbon) for offering and gift envelopes. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Shiitake Mushroom motif; Japan, early 20th C. L.5.25"(15cm) x W.3"(7.5cm) x H.1"(2.25cm.) Condition Note: Bottom piece only, no cover piece. The wrinkled cap of the mushroom symbolizes old age and long like. It was used for celebratory occasions that called for such symbolism. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia. In Europe; countries su...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Warabi (fiddlehead fern) motif; Japan, early 20th C. L.5.875"(15cm) x W.3"(7.5cm) x H.1"(2.25cm.) Condition Note: No top cover, bottom piece only. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia. In Europe; countries such as Germany, Holland, and England have a rich history of cake mold production. Materials such as wood, ceramic, glass, plastic,...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Sensu (fan) motif; Japan, early 20th C. L.9.375"(23.75cm) x W.4.125"(10.5cm) x H.1.75"(4.5cm.) Condition Note: one of the posts connecting the top to bottom pieces is missing. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia. In Europe; countries such as Germany, Holland, and England have a rich history of cake mold production. Materials such as w...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Kiku (chrysanthemum) motif; Japan, early 20th C. L.7"(17.75cm) x W.3.5"(8.7510cm) x H.1.375"(4.5cm.) The chrysanthemum is a symbol of late fall and also used for celebratory occasions. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia. In Europe; countries such as Germany, Holland, and England have a rich history of cake mold production. Materials s...

White splashes into the pale terracotta of this large basin by world renowned artist Suzuki Osamu enclosed in the original signed kiri-wood box. The bowl measures almost 12 inches (28.5 cm) diameter, 3-1/2 inches (9 cm) tall and is in excellent condition, stamped on the base with the character Su in a square cartouche.
Osamu was, along with Kumakura Junkichi, Hikaru Yamada and Yagi Kazuo, one of the founding members of the influential Sodeisha (Crawling Through Mud Association), a grou...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Kiku (chrysanthemum) motif; Japan, early 20th C. L.6.625"(15.75cm) x W.3.5"(8.75cm) x H.1.375"(3.5cm.) The chrysanthemum is a symbol of late fall and was also a popular motif for celebratory occasions. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia. In Europe; countries such as Germany, Holland, and England have a rich history of cake mold produc...

Graffito is scratched into the white crackled glaze of this bowl by world renowned artist Kumakura Junkichi (1920-1985) enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The piece is 6 inches (15.5 cm) tall, 4-1/2 inches (11 cm) diameter and in perfect condition. See also the previously listed bowl by the same artist.
Junkichi began working in ceramics in the 1940s, his works submitted to innumerable National and International Exhibitions including the Japan Art Festival, New York and the int...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Cherry Leaves motif; Japan, early 20th C. L.8.5"(21cm) x W.5.0"(12.75cm) x H.1.5"(4cm.) As a symbol of spring, the cherry is often depicted in blossoms. But in this case it is the leaves that are featured. There are actually sweets that are wrapped in cherry leaves. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia. In Europe; countries such as Germ...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Kiku (chrysanthemum) motif; Japan, early 20th C. L.5.875"(15cm) x W.3.0"(7.5cm) x H.1.75"(4.5cm.) The chrysanthemum is a symbol of late fall and was also a popular motif for celebratory occasions. Sweet molds, “kashigata,” have been a part of confectionary culture around the world. Well-known examples in Asia come from Japan, China, Korea, and Indonesia. In Europe; countries such as Germany, Holland, and England have a rich history of cake mold production....

This charming beaded purse is from Bamiyan, Afghanistan and measures 12 x 23.5 cm when opened, 10 x 12.5 cm when closed. Satin stitch, cross stitch and filling stitch in silk thread, depicting stylized floral motifs in vibrant colors. This textile is typical of Hazara embroidery in its dynamic use of color. The outer edges are embellished with pompoms and blue and orange beads, while the inside features Bokhara couching laced with gold thread (zardozi). The purse has two inside pockets lined wi...