Kanban 看板 (shop sign) of Daikokuten - Sugi (cedar) wood - Japan - 19th century, late Edo period / early Meiji period.






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This 19th-century Japanese shop sign, carved in high relief from sugi cedar as a smiling Daikokuten seated on rice bales bearing the characters 大黒屋, measures 188 × 165 × 30 cm.
Description from the seller
A massive Japanese shop sign 看板 (kanban), carved in high relief in the form of a smiling Daikokuten 大黒天 seated on rope-bound rice bales.
The jovial figure has full, rounded cheeks, elongated earlobes and an open, cheerful smile beneath his soft cap. His right hand raises his magic mallet 打ち出の小槌 (uchide nokozuchi), while his left firmly grasps the gathered neck of his cloth treasure bag 布袋 (nunobukuro) slung over his shoulder.
The three front-facing rice bales bear the black characters 大黒屋 (Daikokuya), read from right to left. The sign is associated with a shop of this name specialising in the making of Daikokuten items.
Carved from Japanese cedar 杉 (sugi), the wood retains traces of green, reddish brown, ochre, white and black pigment. These surviving colours contrast with the dark, weathered surface. Its considerable scale and expressive carving give the piece a striking sculptural presence.
Period: Japan – 19th century, late Edo period / early Meiji period.
Dimensions: Height 188 cm, Width 165 cm, Depth 30 cm.
In very good weathered condition for its age, with age cracks and splits, surface wear, scattered losses and substantial wear to the pigments. A later wooden backing has been added to reinforce the whole. An appealing aged patina throughout. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
Please note: Due to its exceptional size, this piece is available for pick-up near Amsterdam, the Netherlands, at the time of purchase.
We also offer pre-quoted delivery to selected areas:
– The Netherlands: €130
– Belgium: Surrounding region of Antwerpen and Brussel: €200
– France: Paris and surrounding region: €240
For all other destinations, transport costs will be calculated separately.
Seller's Story
A massive Japanese shop sign 看板 (kanban), carved in high relief in the form of a smiling Daikokuten 大黒天 seated on rope-bound rice bales.
The jovial figure has full, rounded cheeks, elongated earlobes and an open, cheerful smile beneath his soft cap. His right hand raises his magic mallet 打ち出の小槌 (uchide nokozuchi), while his left firmly grasps the gathered neck of his cloth treasure bag 布袋 (nunobukuro) slung over his shoulder.
The three front-facing rice bales bear the black characters 大黒屋 (Daikokuya), read from right to left. The sign is associated with a shop of this name specialising in the making of Daikokuten items.
Carved from Japanese cedar 杉 (sugi), the wood retains traces of green, reddish brown, ochre, white and black pigment. These surviving colours contrast with the dark, weathered surface. Its considerable scale and expressive carving give the piece a striking sculptural presence.
Period: Japan – 19th century, late Edo period / early Meiji period.
Dimensions: Height 188 cm, Width 165 cm, Depth 30 cm.
In very good weathered condition for its age, with age cracks and splits, surface wear, scattered losses and substantial wear to the pigments. A later wooden backing has been added to reinforce the whole. An appealing aged patina throughout. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
Please note: Due to its exceptional size, this piece is available for pick-up near Amsterdam, the Netherlands, at the time of purchase.
We also offer pre-quoted delivery to selected areas:
– The Netherlands: €130
– Belgium: Surrounding region of Antwerpen and Brussel: €200
– France: Paris and surrounding region: €240
For all other destinations, transport costs will be calculated separately.
