Printing blocks - Japan - Complete Kana Set
07
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Current bid
€ 15
No reserve price
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Selected by Ashley Calvert
He has 15 years of experience trading 20th century glass and antiques.
Estimate € 170 - € 210
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Vintage Japanese lead alloy letterpress type set in a wooden case, featuring Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji with a complete Kana set, in good condition with signs of aging, measuring about 28.5 cm high, 39.5 cm wide and 3 cm deep and weighing around 3400 g, originating from Japan and dating to roughly 1950s–1980s.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Vintage Japanese Letterpress Type Set in Wooden Case – Hiragana, Katakana & Kanji Collection
Item Description
This lot consists of a substantial and authentic vintage letterpress printing type set, featuring a wide assortment of Japanese characters. The collection includes hiragana and katakana characters ranging from “あ” to “ん”, along with a selection of kanji, numerals, and additional symbols. Each piece is carefully arranged within a traditional wooden compartment tray, showcasing the historical craftsmanship associated with classic Japanese typography and printing techniques.
The metal types exhibit signs of age and use, adding to their character and authenticity as genuine tools from the letterpress era. This set is ideal for collectors, typographic enthusiasts, designers, or as a decorative and educational display piece reflecting the rich heritage of Japanese printing culture.
Please refer to the images for detailed condition and contents, including a photo with a measuring tape for scale reference.
Size
Wooden frame: approx. 28.5 cm (height) × 39.5 cm (width) × 3 cm (depth)
(Please allow for minor measurement variations)
Weight
Approx. 3400 g
Artist Profile
Not applicable
Shipping Information
The item will be shipped from Japan via Japan Post with a tracking number.
Due to the current international situation, shipping may occasionally be arranged via DHL.
The tracking number will be provided before the shipment is dispatched.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 1–2 weeks depending on the destination country.
Please note that delivery times may vary due to customs procedures or postal conditions in the destination country.
Import duties, VAT, and any customs taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.
The item will be carefully packed to ensure safe delivery.
Recycled cardboard boxes or packing materials may be used for packaging.
Seller's Story
At Yu Design, we curate not only fine art and traditional crafts, but a wide range of items that reflect the living spirit of Japanese culture.
From tea ceremony utensils and cast iron works to ceramics, dolls and vintage toys, each piece is carefully selected as a fragment of Japan’s diverse cultural landscape.
Yu Design is not just about selling objects.
It is about sharing the stories, history, and cultural background behind them — introducing Japan itself to the world.
Yu Design is owned and curated by Yuki Kuwahara, based in Japan.
She also runs a YouTube channel introducing Japanese history, with a particular focus on figures from the late Edo and early Meiji periods, reflecting her deep interest in Japan’s cultural and historical heritage.
All items are carefully inspected and securely shipped worldwide via Japan Post EMS.
Clear communication and professional packaging are always a priority.
Vintage Japanese Letterpress Type Set in Wooden Case – Hiragana, Katakana & Kanji Collection
Item Description
This lot consists of a substantial and authentic vintage letterpress printing type set, featuring a wide assortment of Japanese characters. The collection includes hiragana and katakana characters ranging from “あ” to “ん”, along with a selection of kanji, numerals, and additional symbols. Each piece is carefully arranged within a traditional wooden compartment tray, showcasing the historical craftsmanship associated with classic Japanese typography and printing techniques.
The metal types exhibit signs of age and use, adding to their character and authenticity as genuine tools from the letterpress era. This set is ideal for collectors, typographic enthusiasts, designers, or as a decorative and educational display piece reflecting the rich heritage of Japanese printing culture.
Please refer to the images for detailed condition and contents, including a photo with a measuring tape for scale reference.
Size
Wooden frame: approx. 28.5 cm (height) × 39.5 cm (width) × 3 cm (depth)
(Please allow for minor measurement variations)
Weight
Approx. 3400 g
Artist Profile
Not applicable
Shipping Information
The item will be shipped from Japan via Japan Post with a tracking number.
Due to the current international situation, shipping may occasionally be arranged via DHL.
The tracking number will be provided before the shipment is dispatched.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 1–2 weeks depending on the destination country.
Please note that delivery times may vary due to customs procedures or postal conditions in the destination country.
Import duties, VAT, and any customs taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.
The item will be carefully packed to ensure safe delivery.
Recycled cardboard boxes or packing materials may be used for packaging.
Seller's Story
At Yu Design, we curate not only fine art and traditional crafts, but a wide range of items that reflect the living spirit of Japanese culture.
From tea ceremony utensils and cast iron works to ceramics, dolls and vintage toys, each piece is carefully selected as a fragment of Japan’s diverse cultural landscape.
Yu Design is not just about selling objects.
It is about sharing the stories, history, and cultural background behind them — introducing Japan itself to the world.
Yu Design is owned and curated by Yuki Kuwahara, based in Japan.
She also runs a YouTube channel introducing Japanese history, with a particular focus on figures from the late Edo and early Meiji periods, reflecting her deep interest in Japan’s cultural and historical heritage.
All items are carefully inspected and securely shipped worldwide via Japan Post EMS.
Clear communication and professional packaging are always a priority.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Weight
3400 g
Metal type
lead alloy
Title additional information
Complete Kana Set
Number of objects
1
Material
Metal
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
28.5 cm
Width
39.5 cm
Depth
3.5 cm
Estimated period
1950-1960, 1960-1970, 1970-1980
