Vintage Japanese Hagoita "羽子板" Decorative Paddle Pair with Bijin Figures, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-505

Vintage Japanese Hagoita Decorative Paddle Pair with Bijin Figures, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-505

A matched pair of handcrafted hagoita paddles -- each face adorned with a richly costumed bijin figure in layered silk and brocade.

A hagoita is a traditional Japanese wooden paddle, originally used in hanetsuki -- a shuttlecock game played at New Year celebrations, much like badminton. Over time, decorative hagoita became prized as auspicious gifts and display pieces, particularly those featuring beautifully crafted bijin (beautiful woman) figures in the style of kabuki and ukiyo-e art. The two paddles in this set each present a three-dimensional collage figure assembled from padded silk, brocade fabric, and hand-painted gofun (shell-white paste) faces with delicately rendered features -- a hallmark of quality vintage Japanese craft from the Late Showa period. The smaller paddle depicts a young beauty in a vibrant red-and-orange kimono holding a decorative hand drum, her elaborate coiffure adorned with silver and gold hair ornaments. The larger paddle shows a graceful figure wearing a rich red lacquered hat crowned with floral ornaments, cradling cascading wisteria blossoms. Both paddles have plain wood reverses -- one painted with a red ume (plum blossom) branch motif -- and wrapped fabric handles in a classic ichimatsu (checkerboard) pattern.

In today's home, this pair of hagoita makes a striking living room accent or entryway display -- their bold colors and intricate craftsmanship equally at home in a Japandi-style interior or alongside a curated collection of Japanese vintage folk art. Stand them upright in a tall vase or lean them against a shelf for an eye-catching seasonal display at New Year, or hang them as wall art in a hallway or bedroom for year-round Japanese-inspired decor. They make a memorable and unique gift for Japanophiles, collectors of vintage Japanese craft, or anyone who appreciates handmade textile art with deep cultural roots.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood paddle with padded silk, brocade fabric, and gofun-paste face; wrapped fabric handle; painted wood reverse
• Use: Decorative hagoita -- traditional New Year display paddle featuring handcrafted bijin figures in kabuki-inspired costume
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway wall art; seasonal New Year holiday display; unique gift for collectors of Japanese folk craft
• Features: Matched pair of two paddles in graduated sizes; three-dimensional padded figure construction in layered silk and brocade; hand-painted gofun faces with fine detail; elaborate hair ornaments including silver flowers and gilt accents; one figure holding a decorative drum, one holding wisteria blossoms; ichimatsu-patterned fabric handle wrapping; red ume blossom painting on the reverse of the smaller paddle
• Dimensions: 6"W x 20"H (large), 5"W x 16"H (small)
• Condition: Excellent

A vibrant and collectible pair of vintage Japanese hagoita paddles -- handcrafted bijin folk art that brings festive beauty and cultural heritage to any modern home.

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.