Vintage Japanese Iron Furin (Wind Chime), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-658

Vintage Japanese Iron Furin (Wind Chime), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-658

A handcrafted iron furin by a named artisan -- deep, resonant tones steeped in the wabi-sabi aesthetic of late Showa Japan.

A furin is a traditional Japanese wind chime hung from eaves, garden pergolas, or verandas to herald the arrival of summer breezes with a cool, meditative sound. Unlike the delicate glass furin associated with Edo-period festivals, this example is forged entirely from iron, lending it a distinctly austere, sculptural quality aligned with the mingei (folk craft) sensibility popular among Showa-era artisans. Several slender iron tubes of graduated length are suspended from a cast cross-bar fitting and a stylized finial, each tube tied with cord and a small cast iron clapper that strikes its neighbors when moved by the wind. The dark, oxidized finish and knotted cord details speak to careful handwork rather than mass production. A wooden storage box inscribed with the characters for "furin" and a maker's signature accompanies the piece, confirming this as the work of a specific craftsman -- a notable provenance for collectors of vintage Japanese craft.

In a modern home, this iron furin makes a striking living room accent or entryway statement piece when suspended from a ceiling hook or display stand, offering authentic ambient sound without electricity. On a covered patio or garden pergola it performs its original role beautifully, its deep iron resonance far more grounding than plastic or aluminum alternatives and perfectly suited to a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic garden. It also serves as a unique sculptural wall installation when paired with its calligraphed wooden box -- an inspired housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese folk art who appreciate objects that carry both beauty and history.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Cast and forged iron; cord; paulownia wood storage box
• Use: Furin -- traditional Japanese wind chime hung outdoors or under eaves to produce ambient tone in the breeze
• Modern Use: Hanging garden or patio wind chime; suspended indoor sculptural accent; display piece paired with calligraphed wooden box
• Features: Multiple graduated iron tubes suspended from a cast cross-bar and decorative finial; small cast iron clapper on cord; dark oxidized finish throughout; accompanied by a signed wooden storage box with calligraphed inscription identifying the piece and its maker; additional paper tanzaku tag with brushwork verse
• Dimensions: 3"W x 3"D x 8"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare signed example of vintage Japanese craft -- this iron furin brings the timeless sound and spirit of a Japanese garden into any modern home or outdoor space.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.