Pencil sharpener Industrial design - Mid-century Japan
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Vintage Tombow manual pencil sharpener from Japan, dating to the late 1950s to early 1960s, with a black all‑metal body, hand crank and rotary blade, dimensions 11 cm high, 14 cm wide and 7 cm deep, weight about 480 g, in good condition with minor signs of aging.
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Description from the seller
Vintage Tombow Manual Pencil Sharpener – 1950s–1960s Japanese Metal Desk Sharpener, Industrial Design Collectible
Item Description
This is a vintage Tombow manual pencil sharpener, a fine example of mid-20th century Japanese industrial design. Crafted with a robust all-metal body and finished in classic black, this sharpener reflects the durability and functional elegance characteristic of post-war stationery tools. The front plate, showing authentic signs of age and patina, adds to its nostalgic appeal and confirms its long history of use.
The piece features a hand-crank mechanism and a solid rotary blade system, designed for smooth and precise sharpening. The “Tombow sharpener” label on the body highlights its origin from one of Japan’s most respected stationery manufacturers. Based on its design, materials, and logo style, this item is estimated to date from the late 1950s to early 1960s, a period when Tombow was actively innovating in mechanical sharpening devices .
Its heavy-duty construction and classic desk-mounted style make it not only a functional tool but also a collectible object. Ideal for vintage stationery collectors, design enthusiasts, or those seeking a unique decorative item with historical significance.
Size
Height: approx. 11 cm
Width (max): approx. 14 cm
Depth: approx. 7 cm
Weight
Approx. 480 g
Artist Profile
Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd., founded in 1913 in Japan, is a renowned manufacturer of writing instruments and stationery. The company played a significant role in the development of high-quality pencils and sharpening devices in the post-war era. Known for combining Western mechanical concepts with Japanese precision engineering, Tombow became a leading brand in both domestic and international markets. Their vintage sharpeners are now appreciated as icons of functional industrial design and craftsmanship.
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 Tombow Manual Pencil Sharpener – 1950s–1960s Japanese Metal Desk Sharpener, Industrial Design Collectible
Item Description
This is a vintage Tombow manual pencil sharpener, a fine example of mid-20th century Japanese industrial design. Crafted with a robust all-metal body and finished in classic black, this sharpener reflects the durability and functional elegance characteristic of post-war stationery tools. The front plate, showing authentic signs of age and patina, adds to its nostalgic appeal and confirms its long history of use.
The piece features a hand-crank mechanism and a solid rotary blade system, designed for smooth and precise sharpening. The “Tombow sharpener” label on the body highlights its origin from one of Japan’s most respected stationery manufacturers. Based on its design, materials, and logo style, this item is estimated to date from the late 1950s to early 1960s, a period when Tombow was actively innovating in mechanical sharpening devices .
Its heavy-duty construction and classic desk-mounted style make it not only a functional tool but also a collectible object. Ideal for vintage stationery collectors, design enthusiasts, or those seeking a unique decorative item with historical significance.
Size
Height: approx. 11 cm
Width (max): approx. 14 cm
Depth: approx. 7 cm
Weight
Approx. 480 g
Artist Profile
Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd., founded in 1913 in Japan, is a renowned manufacturer of writing instruments and stationery. The company played a significant role in the development of high-quality pencils and sharpening devices in the post-war era. Known for combining Western mechanical concepts with Japanese precision engineering, Tombow became a leading brand in both domestic and international markets. Their vintage sharpeners are now appreciated as icons of functional industrial design and craftsmanship.
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
Style subtype
Industrial design
Metal type
Iron
Number of objects
1
Style
Vintage
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Metal, Steel
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
11 cm
Width
14 cm
Depth
7 cm
Estimated period
1950-1960
Title additional information
Mid-century Japan
