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...

Japanese shin hanga woodblock print by Ito Yuhan (1882-1951) titled "Sailboats in the Sunset Glow" (aka Tsukuda Jima). This image is one of a limited number of woodblock prints by this artist that were published by Nishinomiya Yosaku in the 1930s. Signed in kanji at the lower right corner of the image. The publisher's seal is in the lower left margin in kanji and on the back in English. Paper: 15 5/8" x 10 5/8" (image: 14 5/8" x 9 5/8")...

Kashigata, mold for making Japanese sweets, in the shape of a wasabi root. Carved wood, ca. early-mid 20th century. H.1.5"(3.75cm) x L.8.25"(21cm) x W.3.5"(8.75cm). Kashigata have long been in use for making molded sweets in Japan and many other parts of the world (especially Asia and Northern Europe.) In Japan, shapes often include felicitous or auspicious themes for luck, long life, wealth, etc. This one, shaped as a wasabi root, is unusual and interesting.

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold) with a dynamic image of a minogame (mino = "straw rain cape," kame/game = "turtle/tortoise.") Early 20th C., Japan. L.13"(33cm) x W.5"(12.5cm) x H.1.125"(2.75cm,) 1 piece paddle type mold. Some minor insect damage to back of mold (see enlargements 4 & 5.) The tortoise is a symbol of long life in Japan, and in Asia in general...

Vintage Japanese wood carving of the face of Bodhidarma with his fly whisk. Also known as Daruma, the legendary intensity of the monk is expressed in his downturned mouth and heavy eye brows over wide eyes. A popular sign of good fortune for any business. Lacquered details in red, white and black.

Age: Showa period (early-mid 20th century)

Dimensions: 23 1/2" high x 19 1/2" wide x 2 3/4" deep

As best I can tell, this is the rare first edition of this print, dating to 1934. Present are both the Watanabe "sausage" seal as well as the red 6mm seal, visible in the lower left corner of the print. The subject is commonly listed as "Snow at Ukimido Temple," and is both rare and highly sought after...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Hi No De Tsuru (Rising Sun Crane) motif. Japan, early 20th C. L.7.0"(18cm) x W.3.75"(9.5cm) x H.1.625"(4cm). The Crane symbolizes long life, as does the Tortoise, in many Asian cultures. In Japan, it was a popular traditional motif for celebratory events such as weddings, New Year's, and birth. This particular example shows the rising sun, a symbol of Japan, behind the crane...

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...

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,) 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...

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,) 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. In Europe; countries such as Germany,...

Kashigata (wooden sweet mold,) Biwa (loquat fruit, Eriobotrya Japonica) motif, Japan, early 20th C. L.8.125"(20.5cm) x W.4.374"(11cm) x H.1.5"(4cm.) The image on this mold shows a bunch of loquat fruit, known as "biwa" in Japanese. Biwa are indegenous to SE China, and the Japanese name may refer to the oblong shape of mature fruit that resembles the shape of the musical instrument, lute (also "biwa" in Japanese.) In olden days, a type of cough medication was made from the syrup of the fruit. The...

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. In Europe; countries such as Germany, Holland, and England have a rich history o...

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....

A fine Noh mask, with strong features, representing the character of Ayakashi, the malign aspect of a general killed in battle. Wood, with polychrome and gold painting, eyes made of brass. The mask is signed. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 21.7 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition. NOTE: The name "Ayakashi" also refers to an apparition with mysterious spiritual powers, or a vengeful sea-dwelling spirit. Perhaps the best known Noh play using Ayakashi is ""Fun...

Lifetime edition Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled "Yumoto Spa, Nikko" by Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) dated in the left margin Showa 12 (1937). The artist's black ink signature and red seal are at the right edge of the image. Post-WWII edition bearing the round 6mm Watanabe publisher's seal at the lower right corner. Paper: 15 1/8" x 10 5/16" (image: 14 1/4" x 9 1/2"). Good overall condition. There is a fade line evident across the top of the image. The back is clean, but the front marg...

Japanese shin hanga woodblock print titled "Temple in the Wood" depicting deer at a shrine deep in the woods around Nara by Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950) dated Showa 15 (1940). Posthumous memorial edition as marked in the upper left margin. The artist's black ink stamped signature and red seal is at the lower left. The print is block titled and signed in the lower margin. Illustrated in "The Complete Woodblock Prints of Yoshida Hiroshi," Abe Publications, color plate #237. Paper measures nearly 1...