Important – Please Read Before Bidding For a smooth and secure transaction, please carefully review the following information before placing a bid. ⸻ ● Import Taxes & Customs Duties All customs duties, import taxes, and customs clearance fees are the responsibility of the buyer. VAT paid on Catawiki is separate from local customs duties and import taxes. Please check with your local customs office in advance. ⸻ ■ Shipping & Packaging All items are shipped from Japan via Japan Post EMS (insured). If EMS is not available for your country, a private international courier will be used instead. Items are carefully packed to withstand long-distance international shipping. ⸻ □ Tax Code Requirement (EU and certain regions) After purchase, buyers may be required to provide a tax code (such as VAT number, fiscal code, etc.). Failure to provide the required tax code may result in customs delays or return of the parcel. ⸻ ◆ Damage & Shipping Issues If the item arrives damaged, please contact your local post office and Catawiki Support within 3 days of delivery. Before leaving feedback, please contact us first so we can assist you appropriately. ⸻ (Shipping to the United States) Currently, EMS shipping to the United States is suspended. A private international courier will be used instead. Please note that items containing batteries or bladed tools may not be eligible for shipment. ⸻ All items are shipped from Japan. Traditional Japanese Tool Cast Iron Bamboo Splitter (5-Way Type) / Takewari – Kikuwari ⸻ Description This item is a traditional Japanese bamboo splitting tool, commonly known as Takewari or Kikuwari, made of cast iron. It is designed to split bamboo evenly in the vertical direction by pressing the tool down onto the end of the bamboo. The circular guide and internal radial blades allow the bamboo to be divided efficiently and accurately. This example is a 5-way splitter, intended to divide bamboo into five equal sections. Such tools were traditionally used for bamboo crafts, basket making, agricultural tools, and building materials. The tool is made of cast iron, giving it sufficient weight and durability to withstand repeated use. Its solid construction reflects the practical design philosophy of traditional Japanese hand tools. Today, with the decline of manual bamboo processing, tools like this are becoming less common. They are now appreciated not only as functional tools but also as collectible items or display pieces representing Japanese folk craftsmanship. ⸻ Specifications / Size (approx.) • Overall length: approx. 30 cm • Diameter of circular section: approx. 9.5 cm • Suitable bamboo diameter: approx. 9 cm • Splitting type: 5-way • Weight: approx. 1.1 kg • Material: Cast iron Please note that measurements are taken by hand and may vary slightly. ⸻ Condition • Used / vintage condition • Shows rust, surface wear, scratches, and signs of age consistent with long-term use • No major damage affecting functionality observed • Sold in as-is condition, without cleaning or restoration Please refer to the photos for detailed condition. ⸻ Additional Information • Traditional Japanese practical tool • Exact production date is unknown; estimated to be 20th century (Showa period) • An increasingly rare example of a utilitarian tool rooted in Japanese handcraft traditions