Vintage Japanese Painted Clay Mizuhiki Ornament with Paulownia Box, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0600-2

Vintage Japanese Painted Clay Mizuhiki Ornament with Paulownia Box, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0600-2

A striking hand-painted clay ornament crowned with an elaborate mizuhiki cord arrangement -- a rare and collectible piece of vintage Japanese craft.

This ornament belongs to a tradition of Japanese decorative keepsakes in which sculptural clay forms are adorned with mizuhiki -- the art of knotting and looping metallic and braided cords into auspicious arrangements. The rounded clay body is finished in deep royal blue and warm gold, painted with layered auspicious motifs including kikko (tortoiseshell hexagons), floral medallions, and stylized cloud and pine forms rendered in gold, silver, and coral. A bold concentric circle design -- evoking the classic "eye" motif associated with good fortune -- appears prominently on one face of the piece. A stepped neck section finished in red, white, and gold bands supports a spectacular arrangement of gold and silver mizuhiki cords woven into a looped knot, complemented by a multicolor braided cord cluster and a lush fringe tassel. The base of the clay body bears an impressed maker's seal, and the piece is housed in a fitted paulownia wood box inscribed with calligraphy and bearing a red stamp -- indicating this was made as a formal gift or collector's keepsake.

Today this vibrant vintage Japanese ornament makes a dramatic living room accent or shelf display piece, bringing the wabi-sabi aesthetic and festive energy of Showa-era craft into a modern home. Its bold blue, gold, and red palette pairs well with both minimalist decor and Japandi style interiors. Displayed on a mantel, bookshelf, or entry table, it draws the eye instantly and invites conversation. It also makes a unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese vintage decorative art -- a one-of-a-kind piece with genuine provenance and handcrafted detail.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Painted clay body; gold and silver mizuhiki metallic cords; multicolor braided silk or synthetic cords; fringe tassel; paulownia wood storage box
• Use: Decorative display ornament, likely presented as a formal gift or auspicious keepsake; comes with original fitted wood box
• Modern Use: Shelf or mantel display accent; entryway decorative object; unique gift for collectors or Japanophiles
• Features: Rounded clay body in deep blue and gold with kikko, floral, and cloud motifs; bold concentric circle design on face; stepped neck with red, white, and gold banding; elaborate gold and silver mizuhiki looped knot with multicolor braided cords and fringe tassel; impressed maker's seal on body; original paulownia wood box with calligraphy inscription and red seal stamp
• Dimensions: 4"W x 4"D x 7"H
• Condition: Excellent

A vivid and collectible piece of vintage Japanese decorative craft -- handmade with ceremonial care and ready to bring color, history, and good-fortune symbolism 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.