Vintage Japanese Decorative Taiko Drum with Ho-oh Phoenix Motif, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0180

Vintage Japanese Decorative Taiko Drum with Ho-oh Phoenix Motif, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0180

A brilliantly hand-painted festival drum adorned with ho-oh phoenix motifs on a radiant gold ground -- a rare and vivid piece of vintage Japanese craft.

A taiko is a traditional Japanese drum used across a wide range of ceremonial, festival, and theatrical contexts, from village matsuri celebrations to the stages of kabuki and Noh. This compact double-headed example, however, stands apart as a decorative or ceremonial piece rather than a working instrument. The cylindrical wood body is finished in a warm gold ground and painted on all surfaces -- both circular heads and the barrel -- with exuberant polychrome ho-oh phoenix imagery. Each face presents a different pose of the mythical bird in flight, rendered in teal, orange, white, and lavender against the glowing gold, surrounded by foliage, blossoms, and trailing feathers. The vivid palette and confident brushwork are consistent with Japanese vintage craft production of the early Showa period, when festive and decorative goods were produced with exceptional artistry for seasonal celebrations and gift-giving.

Today this striking piece translates beautifully into a modern interior as a decorative accent or conversation piece. Stood upright on a shelf or sideboard, the hand-painted phoenix faces command immediate attention and bring a bold pop of color to a living room accent display or entryway vignette. The vibrant orange braided cord lacing adds warmth and texture, making it equally at home in a Japandi-style setting or an eclectic maximalist space. It also makes a truly unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese folk art with genuine age and character.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Wood body with gold-ground painted finish; orange braided cord lacing; painted decorative heads
• Use: Decorative or ceremonial drum; festival display piece
• Modern Use: Shelf or sideboard decorative accent; living room or entryway display object; unique gift for collectors of Japanese folk art
• Features: Cylindrical barrel form with two circular painted heads; gold ground overall; polychrome hand-painted ho-oh phoenix motifs on both heads and body; teal, orange, lavender, and white floral and foliage decoration; orange braided cord lacing threaded through perimeter holes on both heads and wrapped around the barrel; aged gold finish with natural wear at edges consistent with period
• Dimensions: 7"Diameter x 7"H
• Condition: Good -- gold finish shows age-appropriate wear and minor flaking consistent with early Showa production; paintwork vivid and largely intact; cord lacing complete

A dazzling example of vintage Japanese decorative craft -- this hand-painted festival drum brings the energy of traditional ho-oh symbolism and early Showa artistry into 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.