Vintage Japanese Bronze Hand Mirror (Kagami) with Lacquered Display Stand, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26M-743

Vintage Japanese Bronze Hand Mirror (Kagami) with Lacquered Display Stand, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26M-743

A finely cast bronze hand mirror with a richly engraved reverse depicting cranes, pine, and auspicious calligraphy -- presented on a lacquered display stand.

A kagami is a traditional Japanese hand mirror, and this example represents the finest expression of the form as a commemorative or presentation object. Cast in bronze, the reverse face is covered in meticulous low-relief engraving: soaring cranes wheel above billowing clouds while aged pine trees spread their branches below, a scene laden with Japanese symbolism of longevity and good fortune. Bold calligraphic characters -- likely part of an auspicious phrase or a personal dedication -- are rendered in polished silver-toned relief that contrasts dramatically against the warm, textured bronze ground. A maker's seal appears at the lower edge, confirming this was the work of a named craftsman. The handle is wrapped in plaited bamboo or rattan for a secure, comfortable grip. The plain, polished obverse would originally have served as the reflective surface, darkened now with age in keeping with the wabi-sabi aesthetic. The mirror is accompanied by a shaped lacquered tray and a purpose-made lacquered display stand with a geometric open framework -- a complete presentation set typical of Mid Showa commemorative gifts.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese kagami functions beautifully as a statement piece for living room decor or a bedroom vanity vignette. Mounted upright on its original stand, it reads as sculptural wall-adjacent art, its crane-and-pine composition holding its own alongside prints or ceramics in a Japandi style interior. Collectors of Japanese vintage metalwork will appreciate the crisp engraving detail and the completeness of the stand-and-tray ensemble. It also makes a deeply meaningful housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles -- rare, refined, and rooted in centuries of craft tradition.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Cast bronze mirror disc with polished relief calligraphy; bamboo or rattan-wrapped handle; lacquered metal display stand and tray
• Use: Presentation or commemorative hand mirror (kagami); displayed on purpose-made stand
• Modern Use: Living room or bedroom decorative accent on stand; display piece in a Japanese vintage or Japandi-style collection; unique gift for collectors or Japanophiles
• Features: Richly engraved bronze reverse with cranes-in-flight, layered pine, auspicious calligraphic characters in polished relief, cloud motifs, and maker's seal; plain polished obverse; plaited handle grip; matching lacquered display stand with open geometric frame and cross-brace base; shaped lacquered tray included
• Dimensions: 10"W x 13"D x 23"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition -- mirror obverse shows age patina and light surface wear consistent with use; engraved reverse retains strong detail; stand and tray intact

A rare and complete Mid Showa presentation kagami -- handcrafted Japanese bronze metalwork that brings the timeless symbolism of crane and pine into any modern interior.

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.