Vintage Japanese Hand-Carved Clay Kamon Plaque, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-230

Vintage Japanese Hand-Carved Clay Kamon Plaque, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-230

A boldly hand-carved clay roundel bearing a traditional Japanese family crest -- a striking piece of vintage Japanese folk craft.

A kamon is a traditional Japanese family crest -- a heraldic emblem used for centuries to identify noble clans, merchant houses, and religious institutions. This vintage clay plaque presents a deeply incised kamon design enclosed within a raised circular border, rendered in a two-tone palette of matte off-white and dark charcoal-grey slip. The central motif features an interlocking geometric pattern of crossed arrows or tied bundles -- a form closely associated with auspicious symbolism in Japanese decorative tradition. The hand-worked clay surface, slightly uneven borders, and raw matte finish are hallmarks of handcrafted Japanese folk pottery from the late Showa period, when artisans revived interest in mingei (folk craft) aesthetics as a counterpoint to Japan's rapid industrialization.

Today this plaque makes a compelling living room accent or entryway focal point, leaned against a shelf or mounted on a wall as a piece of Japanese wall art. Its wabi-sabi aesthetic -- raw clay, weathered slip, and bold graphic lines -- pairs naturally with Japandi style interiors, minimalist decor, and earthy, neutral palettes. Display it on a mantel alongside ceramics and botanicals, prop it on a bookshelf as a sculptural object, or use it as a unique housewarming gift for a collector of Japanese vintage pieces and folk craft. The graphic boldness of the crest design also makes it a natural conversation piece in a home office or studio setting.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Hand-formed clay with dark slip detailing
• Use: Decorative display plaque featuring a kamon (family crest) motif
• Modern Use: Wall art display, living room or entryway accent, bookshelf or mantel decor
• Features: Deeply hand-carved interlocking geometric kamon design; raised circular border with dark charcoal-grey slip rim; matte off-white clay ground; slightly organic form consistent with hand-built construction; aged surface with natural weathering to slip
• Dimensions: 17" Diameter x 2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and striking example of vintage Japanese folk craft -- this hand-carved clay kamon plaque brings bold graphic character and wabi-sabi warmth to 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.