Japanese Antique-Style Yatate – Portable Writing Instrument – Hotei and Dragon Relief – Metalwork - Copper - Japan - Late Edo period
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Copper Japanese antique-style yatate, a portable writing instrument with Hotei and dragon relief, dating to the Late Edo period, 25.5 cm high, in fair condition and authentic.
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Description from the seller
Traditional Japanese yatate portable writing instrument
Decorative metal construction
Relief motifs featuring Hotei, a dragon and botanical patterns
An example of the historical Japanese combination of practical design and ornamentation
This intriguing Japanese metal object is a yatate, a traditional portable writing instrument historically used by travellers, merchants, scholars and other members of Japanese society.
Before the widespread adoption of modern fountain pens, the yatate provided a convenient way to carry the essential implements of brush-and-ink writing.
Its development represents an ingenious solution to the difficulties of writing while travelling.
A portable writing system
Traditional Japanese calligraphy ordinarily required a brush, inkstick, inkstone and water.
The yatate simplified this process by combining a brush holder with a small container designed to retain prepared ink, often absorbed into cotton or similar material.
This made it possible to write notes, records or correspondence without carrying a complete writing set.
Yatate became particularly widespread during Japan's Edo period, when travel, commerce and written administration expanded.
Decorative symbolism – Hotei and the dragon
The present example is distinguished by decorative relief work featuring Hotei, one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods, together with dragon and plant motifs.
Hotei is traditionally associated with happiness, contentment, generosity and abundance.
The dragon, meanwhile, is a powerful motif in East Asian art, commonly associated with strength, protection and auspicious natural forces.
Combining these images on a practical writing instrument reflects the Japanese tradition of bringing artistic expression into objects of everyday life.
The aged metal surface and intricate relief decoration give the piece an appealing historical character.
An interesting collector's object that connects Japanese metal craftsmanship, calligraphy, travel and traditional beliefs.
Shipping & Handling
We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer’s responsibility.
Seller Guarantee
We specialise in authentic Japanese metalwork and guarantee this piece’s authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours.
1814
Seller's Story
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page. I primarily handle Japanese antiques, as well as Western antiques, art pieces, and pre-loved items that have been cherished in Japan. Growing up in a family of historians—my grandfather was a historian and my father was an archaeologist—I have always been captivated by the eras and stories these historic objects and works of art carry with them.
My listings feature collections from both Japan and the West, pieces that have stood the test of time and remained beloved through the ages. Through these rare treasures, I hope to share with you the delight of ownership and discovery. As a professional, I strive for honest and sincere transactions to ensure customer satisfaction, always leveraging my experience and eye for quality.
I strongly believe in not letting buyers down, so I describe items as accurately and thoroughly as possible, prioritizing secure and careful packaging. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. It would be my pleasure to help enrich your collecting experience.
Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to doing business with you.
Traditional Japanese yatate portable writing instrument
Decorative metal construction
Relief motifs featuring Hotei, a dragon and botanical patterns
An example of the historical Japanese combination of practical design and ornamentation
This intriguing Japanese metal object is a yatate, a traditional portable writing instrument historically used by travellers, merchants, scholars and other members of Japanese society.
Before the widespread adoption of modern fountain pens, the yatate provided a convenient way to carry the essential implements of brush-and-ink writing.
Its development represents an ingenious solution to the difficulties of writing while travelling.
A portable writing system
Traditional Japanese calligraphy ordinarily required a brush, inkstick, inkstone and water.
The yatate simplified this process by combining a brush holder with a small container designed to retain prepared ink, often absorbed into cotton or similar material.
This made it possible to write notes, records or correspondence without carrying a complete writing set.
Yatate became particularly widespread during Japan's Edo period, when travel, commerce and written administration expanded.
Decorative symbolism – Hotei and the dragon
The present example is distinguished by decorative relief work featuring Hotei, one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods, together with dragon and plant motifs.
Hotei is traditionally associated with happiness, contentment, generosity and abundance.
The dragon, meanwhile, is a powerful motif in East Asian art, commonly associated with strength, protection and auspicious natural forces.
Combining these images on a practical writing instrument reflects the Japanese tradition of bringing artistic expression into objects of everyday life.
The aged metal surface and intricate relief decoration give the piece an appealing historical character.
An interesting collector's object that connects Japanese metal craftsmanship, calligraphy, travel and traditional beliefs.
Shipping & Handling
We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer’s responsibility.
Seller Guarantee
We specialise in authentic Japanese metalwork and guarantee this piece’s authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours.
1814
Seller's Story
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page. I primarily handle Japanese antiques, as well as Western antiques, art pieces, and pre-loved items that have been cherished in Japan. Growing up in a family of historians—my grandfather was a historian and my father was an archaeologist—I have always been captivated by the eras and stories these historic objects and works of art carry with them.
My listings feature collections from both Japan and the West, pieces that have stood the test of time and remained beloved through the ages. Through these rare treasures, I hope to share with you the delight of ownership and discovery. As a professional, I strive for honest and sincere transactions to ensure customer satisfaction, always leveraging my experience and eye for quality.
I strongly believe in not letting buyers down, so I describe items as accurately and thoroughly as possible, prioritizing secure and careful packaging. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. It would be my pleasure to help enrich your collecting experience.
Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to doing business with you.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Late Edo period
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Copper
Height
25.5 cm
Title of artwork
Japanese Antique-Style Yatate – Portable Writing Instrument – Hotei and Dragon Relief – Metalwork
Condition
Fair condition
Authenticity
Original/official
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