Vintage Japanese Oshidori Mandarin Duck Pair Sculpture, Sugi Wood, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0779-1

Vintage Japanese Oshidori Mandarin Duck Pair Sculpture, Sugi Wood, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0779-1

A handcrafted sugi wood oshidori pair -- an enduring Japanese symbol of love and marital fidelity

An oshidori is a mandarin duck, and in Japanese tradition a paired oshidori sculpture is one of the most beloved auspicious gifts, expressing wishes for lasting love, conjugal harmony, and lifelong partnership. This vintage Japanese craft piece presents two stylized duck figures nestled side by side on a shaped flat base, carved entirely from sugi (Japanese cedar) by a skilled artisan who exploited the wood's bold, tight straight grain to dramatic effect. Fine parallel lines follow the natural growth rings of the sugi, giving each bird a richly textured, almost feather-like surface without a single brushstroke of paint. Inlaid round eyes -- set in contrasting light and dark -- bring a quiet vitality to each figure, while the decorative molded base, darkened along its grain lines with staining or scorching, grounds the composition with a sense of calm weight. An inscription in gold paint on the underside of the base suggests this piece was created as a commemorative or celebratory gift, consistent with the oshidori motif's long association with wedding and anniversary traditions in Japan.

In a modern home, this handcrafted Japanese vintage sculpture works beautifully as a living room accent on a bookshelf, console table, or mantelpiece, where its warm honey-brown tones and tactile grain invite a second look. It fits naturally within a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic, pairing equally well with natural linen, raw ceramics, and dark wood furniture. At 12 inches wide, the piece commands quiet presence without overwhelming a surface. Display it on an entryway console as a welcoming symbol, or on a bedroom dresser as a meaningful reminder of companionship. It makes a deeply thoughtful and unique gift for a wedding, anniversary, or any occasion celebrating love -- a truly special find for collectors and Japanophiles alike.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Sugi (Japanese cedar); inlaid round eyes; gold paint inscription on base underside
• Use: Decorative display sculpture; auspicious gift symbolizing conjugal love and marital harmony
• Modern Use: Living room accent or bookshelf display; entryway console decor; unique wedding or anniversary gift
• Features: Two oshidori-style duck figures on a shaped molded base; natural sugi grain exploited for feather texture throughout; inlaid contrasting round eyes on each figure; grain darkened with staining or scorching for depth; gold-painted inscription on base underside; all carved from a single wood type for visual cohesion
• Dimensions: 12"W x 7"D x 5"H
• Condition: Excellent

A timeless piece of vintage Japanese craft that carries centuries of meaning -- the oshidori pair remains one of the most heartfelt symbols in Japanese decorative art, and a warm, characterful accent for 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.