Vintage Japanese Takara-zuchi Ceramic Ornament, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0600-3

Vintage Japanese Takara-zuchi Ceramic Ornament, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0600-3

A ceremonial ceramic mallet ornament in cobalt blue and gold, complete with a multicolor braided tassel cord and signed wooden storage box.

A takara-zuchi -- the legendary "treasure mallet" of Japanese folklore -- is an auspicious ornament said to grant wishes and summon good fortune when swung. This handcrafted Japanese decorative piece takes the form of a stylized mallet: a rounded, spherical body rising from a scalloped gold foot and topped by a flat, paddle-shaped neck that tapers upward with striped gold and blue banding. One face of the rounded body features a bold concentric eye-like decorative motif rendered in graduated tones of white, grey, pale blue, and deep cobalt with a gilt rim -- a striking focal element consistent with traditional Japanese auspicious imagery. The outer surface is painted in deep royal blue with richly applied gold overglaze patterns, including interlocking diamond lattice (sayagata-style), hexagonal floral repeat (kikko), and a central cartouche of stylized cloud or pine-needle motifs in white, gold, and soft ochre. The piece comes with a vibrant multicolor braided silk cord and tassel in red, green, gold, navy, and ivory -- tied through the neck in the manner of a hanging ornament -- and is accompanied by a signed kiri wood storage box bearing a red artist seal, marking this as a named-workshop piece.

This vintage Japanese ceramic ornament is a rare and eye-catching collector's accent for the modern home. Displayed upright on a shelf, mantle, or tokonoma alcove, it becomes an immediate conversation piece in any living room decor or Japandi-style interior. Its compact footprint makes it equally at home as a desk accent in a home office or as a festive seasonal display alongside New Year or hina matsuri arrangements. With its vivid cobalt and gold palette and the drama of its hanging tassel, it also makes a unique housewarming gift or a distinctive gift for collectors of vintage Japanese craft and folk art objects.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Glazed clay with gold overglaze decoration; multicolor braided cord with silk tassel; kiri wood storage box
• Use: Auspicious decorative ornament -- likely displayed during New Year or festive occasions as a good-luck talisman in the tradition of the takara-zuchi lucky mallet
• Modern Use: Living room accent or mantle display; seasonal festive decor for New Year or holiday arrangements; collector's showpiece in a Japandi or wabi-sabi styled interior
• Features: Spherical body with bold concentric eye-like decorative motif on one face; gold overglaze diamond lattice and hexagonal floral patterns; central cloud or pine-needle motif in white and gold; scalloped gold foot; flat paddle-shaped neck with horizontal stripe banding and small gilt dot accents; multicolor braided cord with full tassel; signed kiri wood storage box with red artist seal
• Dimensions: 3 1/2"W x 3 1/2"D x 7"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and joyful piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- richly decorated, steeped in good-fortune symbolism, and ready to bring color and cultural 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.