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Japanese antique persimmon dyed wrapping paper/1868-1912/wall hanging object

$800
£594.04
€697.67
CA$1,113.02
A$1,246.14
CHF 653.39
MX$15,396.86
NOK 8,233.16
SEK 7,771.77
DKK 5,205.49
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About the Item

This item is believed to be an old wrapping cloth made in Japan around the Meiji period (late 19th to early 20th century). Originally used as a practical tool for wrapping and transporting items such as paper and cloth, it is now a rare artifact that is seldom seen today. The material used is old paper, likely repurposed from documents dating back to the late Edo to early Meiji period. The calligraphy, written in sumi ink, is still clearly visible and offers glimpses into the daily lives of people from that era. Multiple layers of kakishibu (persimmon tannin) have been applied to the surface, giving it a rich, lustrous brown color and increasing its durability. When the persimmon tannin completely hardens, the paper takes on a firm texture and turns into a strong material that is not easily torn. In an age when paper was a precious commodity, nothing was wasted. Used paper was repurposed in many ways: as underlayers for folding screens, reinforcement for household items, or even pasted onto bamboo baskets by farmers to create containers. This wrapping cloth was created in that spirit of careful reuse and craftsmanship. While it is not uncommon to find large sheets of kakishibu-coated paper used as wrapping material, this particular piece is quite rare due to its unique form—it has been folded from four sides into the shape of a pouch or case. From a mingei (folk craft) or folk art perspective, this structural ingenuity enhances its value and significance. The piece is also in good condition. The creases, faded text, and subtle discoloration are not flaws but rather a poetic testament to the passage of time, elevated here into aesthetic beauty. Today, this item transcends its original practical use and serves as a striking decorative object. A thin wire has been threaded through the upper edge, allowing it to be hung on the wall as a piece of art. The organic texture and color, shaped by natural aging, blend gently into modern interiors while imparting a quiet yet powerful presence. It complements both traditional Japanese and antique-inspired spaces, and can also serve as a compelling accent piece in a modern setting. That this humble paper item now radiates such depth and character is a testament to the enduring power of material objects shaped by time. Such pieces are becoming increasingly difficult to find in today's world—a truly one-of-a-kind discovery. We hope it resonates with you. Weight: 0.95kg [We are a specialized team dealing in antiques and vintage items, comprised of stores based on three distinct brands. While focusing on Japanese items, we also offer a carefully curated selection of attractive goods from around the world—each evoking the culture and history of its country of origin. Unlike the traditional Japanese antique furniture and art that have been appreciated overseas until now, we shine a light on the tools and furniture that were used for many years in ordinary Japanese homes and farmhouses. These objects have gained a unique charm over time, their beauty deepened by the history accumulated through daily life. In today’s world, however, many of these precious items are discarded during home demolitions. We are committed to reassessing their value and passing them on to future generations. Drawing from our extensive experience—having seen tens of thousands of items through direct purchases, markets, and auction houses—we carefully select and present only the most captivating pieces. This is something made possible only through the years of knowledge and expertise we have cultivated. Rather than focusing on the widely known facets of Japanese art and culture, we highlight the subtle beauty born from the everyday life of common people. It is this rediscovered beauty, steeped in history, that we strive to share with the world.]
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 16.15 in (41 cm)Width: 24.22 in (61.5 cm)Depth: 0.79 in (2 cm)
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1868-1912
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Sammu-shi, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5487245630742

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