Seal - 日本製印鑑122個(黒61個＋白61個)

日本製印鑑122個(黒61個＋白61個)のセット
Rare Vintage Japanese Hanko Seal Set (122 pcs) – Black & White Collection – 1990s – Symbol of Japanese Identity & Culture
A remarkable and highly collectible vintage Japanese Hanko (inkan) seal set, consisting of 122 individual pieces — 61 black and 61 white — dating to approximately the 1990s.

Each piece is crafted from durable plastic and features finely engraved Japanese characters, representing authentic surnames used across Japan. The seals are neatly bundled and preserved, offering both aesthetic cohesion and historical charm.

■ Cultural Significance

In Japan, the hanko (personal seal) is far more than a tool — it is an essential part of daily life and identity. Used in place of signatures, these seals are required for contracts, banking, official documents, and personal authentication. The tradition dates back over a millennium and remains deeply embedded in Japanese society.

This set embodies that tradition in physical form.

■ A Window into Japanese Society

Japan is known for its extraordinary diversity of surnames — estimated between 100,000 and 300,000 unique family names. Each seal in this collection represents one such identity, making this set not just a group of objects, but a microcosm of Japanese demographic and cultural diversity.

■ Collector Appeal
Complete set of 122 vintage seals
Balanced black & white aesthetic (61 each)
Uniform cylindrical form with engraved tops
Excellent display potential (graphic, typographic, and cultural interest)
Ideal for collectors of:
Japanese antiques & ephemera
Typography & calligraphy artifacts
Cultural identity objects
Design and conceptual art pieces
■ Condition

Good vintage condition consistent with age. Minor wear, ink traces, and surface marks are present, reinforcing authenticity and prior use.

■ Why This Set Matters

This is not merely a collection of stamps — it is a tangible representation of Japanese identity, bureaucracy, and tradition. Few objects so compactly capture the intersection of language, culture, and everyday life in Japan.

A rare opportunity to acquire a complete and visually striking set that bridges utility, history, and art.

■ IMPORTANT NOTICE - PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING

● bidding and payment
please do not place a bid if you do not intend to complete the purchase and make payment. by placing a bid, you confirm that you fully intend to complete the purchase and make payment if you win the auction. non-paying bidders cause serious inconvenience and delays. if payment is not completed after repeated reminders from catawiki, the order may be cancelled and handled strictly in accordance with catawiki policies.
● condition of the item
all items are vintage, antique, or pre-owned items unless otherwise stated. signs of age, wear, scratches, stains, or minor imperfections should be expected. please carefully examine all photos and the description before bidding. the photos form an important part of the description. bids based on misunderstanding of the item's condition will not be accepted as grounds for cancellation.
● shipping restrictions - knives
due to uk law and import regulations, we do not ship knives to the united kingdom. knife imports are legally restricted in the uk and shipment is not permitted. due to strict knife regulations and import restrictions, we also do not ship knives to denmark. knife imports exceeding certain blade lengths may be prohibited and subject to confiscation by danish customs. due to local laws and customs regulations, we may also be unable to ship knives to certain other countries. please check your country’s import laws before bidding. bids placed in violation of these restrictions will be cancelled.
● international shipping - knives and customs regulations
the items offered in knife lots are traditional japanese kitchen knives intended strictly for culinary use. please note that import regulations regarding knives and blades vary significantly from country to country. by placing a bid, the buyer confirms that the import of such items is permitted under the laws of their country. the seller ships all items legally from japan and provides accurate customs declarations and invoices describing the items as kitchen knives. however, customs inspections, import restrictions, delays, duties, taxes, or delivery issues caused by customs authorities are outside the seller’s control. in some cases, customs authorities may contact the buyer directly to confirm the intended use of the item or request additional information for clearance. in rare cases where customs regulations prevent delivery, the seller cannot be held responsible for decisions made by the customs authorities of the destination country.
● countries we do not ship to
we currently do not ship to the united states. we also temporarily do not ship to portugal due to ongoing international logistics disruptions caused by the situation in the middle east, which has resulted in returned shipments and unstable delivery conditions. bids from these countries will be cancelled. please do not place a bid if your shipping address is located in any of the above countries.
● international situation - possible shipping limitations
due to the recent deterioration of the security situation in parts of the world, including the middle east, shipping to certain countries or regions may become difficult or temporarily unavailable. if shipment to the buyer’s country or region becomes impossible due to international conditions, transportation restrictions, sanctions, or postal service suspensions, the order may be cancelled even after the auction ends. we appreciate your understanding that such circumstances are beyond the seller’s control.
● important notice for buyers in italy
due to persistent delays with the italian postal service and customs procedures, delivery to italy may take one month or longer. please place a bid only if you fully understand and accept this extended delivery time. once the item has been shipped, delays caused by postal services or customs are completely beyond the seller’s control. complaints or cancellation requests due to slow delivery after shipment will not be accepted.
● no combined shipping
this lot cannot be combined with other items. even if multiple items are purchased from the same seller in this auction, each item will be shipped separately.
● shipping method and delivery time
all items are shipped from japan via japan post and carefully packaged. estimated delivery time is approximately 3-4 weeks, depending on the destination country and customs procedures. delivery times are estimates only and are not guaranteed.
● import duties and taxes (EU buyers)
please note that import duties, VAT, and any other taxes are not included in the item price or shipping cost. for buyers in the european union, your country’s customs authorities may charge import VAT or other fees when the parcel arrives in your country. these charges are determined entirely by the customs authorities of the destination country and are outside the seller’s control. these charges are the buyer’s responsibility. by placing a bid, you acknowledge that you have read and accepted these conditions before participating in the auction.
● customs contact and buyer responsibility
customs authorities or local delivery companies may contact you by phone or email regarding customs clearance. the buyer is solely responsible for responding promptly and completing any required customs procedures. failure to respond to customs inquiries may result in delays, additional charges, or the return of the parcel.
● returned parcels
if a parcel is returned due to: non-response to customs, refusal of delivery, or unpaid import taxes, reshipping will require payment of double the original shipping cost.
● force majeure
the seller shall not be held responsible for delays, shipping interruptions, or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond the seller’s control, including but not limited to: war or political instability, international sanctions, postal service suspensions, customs restrictions, or natural disasters. in such cases, the order may be cancelled if shipment becomes impossible.
● agreement
by placing a bid, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all of the above conditions.