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About the Item

This is an "Ohikiban", a traditional work board that was used in Showa Village, located in the remote mountainous region of Oku-Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture. It was crafted around the mid-20th century during the Showa era and primarily served as a tool for processing plant fibers such as hemp and karamushi (ramie). The task of ohiki—gently pulling and separating the fibers—was a fundamental part of daily life in rural communities, and boards like this were essential tools in that process. In the rugged mountain villages of Oku-Aizu, people adapted to the harsh natural environment by making the most of the limited resources available to them. While men typically handled tasks up to the harvesting stage, ohiki was the domain of women. The threads produced from this process were woven into fabric and became a valuable source of income for the community. The visible carving marks and traces of handwork left on the surface of this board are more than signs of utility—they are living imprints of local culture, everyday labor, and human presence. The board is made from chestnut wood, and having seen little use, it had been stored in an attic where it gradually developed a rich, deep brown hue from years of exposure to hearth smoke. Measuring 7.3 cm thick and weighing approximately 14.25 kg, it has a solid, commanding presence. Its robust construction and the beautiful grain characteristic of chestnut wood make it particularly striking. Unlike the more common rectangular ohikiban, this piece features cut-off corners forming an octagonal shape, making it a rare and unique example within its kind. It can be displayed horizontally as a base for objects, or vertically as a wall-mounted piece using L-shaped brackets, transforming it into a sculptural object reminiscent of abstract art. It brings a sense of quiet warmth to a space while embodying the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship and mingei (folk craft) philosophy. Within this single board resides the beauty of fundamental human life—rural Japanese culture, the wisdom of handwork, and harmonious coexistence with nature. Such tools are becoming increasingly rare today, and their cultural value will only grow in the future. For this reason, we’ve set the price modestly, hoping that many people can appreciate and connect with its value. We invite you to reflect on the rhythms of Japanese life and aesthetics through this humble, yet profound object. Dimensions (when wall-mounted): W118.2 cm × H35.5 cm × D7.3 cm Weight: approx. 14.25 kg Item number: BO086

Dimensions:
Height: 46.54 in (118.2 cm)Width: 13.98 in (35.5 cm)Depth: 2.88 in (7.3 cm)
Style:
Showa (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Chestnut,Hand-Carved,Woodwork
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
20th century
Condition:
There is a slight wobble when it is horizontal, but I don't think it will be a problem when using it.
Seller Location:
Sammu-shi, JP
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5487244893542

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