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Condition: Used (Very good vintage condition with beautiful color retention and natural age-related paint craquelure on the reverse).
Type: Figurine / Statue
Culture: Japanese
Provenance: Folk Art Heirloom (Mingei)
Material: Hand-Carved Wood (Ittobori / One-Knife Cut technique)
Subject: Shojo (Mythical Sake-Drinking Sea Spirit from Noh Theater)
Up for sale is a beautifully preserved, vintage Japanese Nara Ittobori hand-carved wooden figurine depicting the mythical sea spirit Shojo from traditional Noh theater folklore. This piece showcases the distinctive, blocky "one-knife-cut" (ittobori) technique, highlighted by vibrant hand-painted floral motifs and an underlay of metallic gold pigment mimicking a theatrical silk kimono robe. The figure is posed holding a festive fan while its robes feature a small blue sake cup (choko) near the base.Condition Details: The paint colors are wonderfully bright on the front, head, and sides. The reverse side exhibits a tight, uniform square grid pattern of natural paint aging (craquelure) with a small patch of slight lifting, which is typical and expected for authentic mid-century Showa-era items. The unpainted wooden base is secure, stable, and completely flat.review photos carefully.Dimensions: 3 x 2 x 1"Perfect for collectors of Japanese folk art, Mingei craft, or East Asian theatrical history. Will be packaged with extreme care to prevent paint flaking during transit.pre-owned in smoke-free house with cats.Feel free to reach out with any questions.
