Vintage Japanese Wooden Rice Container, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0823

Vintage Japanese Wooden Rice Container, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0823

A large stave-built wooden vessel with iron hoops and side handles -- a rare survivor of Japan's commercial grain trade, full of wabi-sabi character.

This striking cylindrical vessel is a large-format Japanese wooden dry-goods measure, likely used in a commercial grain or rice merchant setting during the early Showa period. Traditional Japanese measuring vessels -- known broadly as masu -- were produced in a range of forms and capacities, from small lacquered square boxes to large cooperage-style tubs intended for wholesale trade. This example follows the latter tradition: stave-constructed from straight-grained softwood, consistent with sugi (cryptomeria/cedar), and reinforced with heavy iron hoops at the rim and base, plus a cross-brace on the fitted base. Two forged iron loop handles are mounted on opposite sides for ease of lifting and pouring. A branded character mark is visible on the side wall, and additional ink markings appear on the base -- both consistent with commercial certification or merchant identification stamps common to Japanese vintage trade goods of this era. The patina, surface wear, and iron oxidation all speak to decades of genuine working use.

Today this handsome vessel makes a bold statement in a variety of modern interior settings. Its generous open cylinder, warm amber wood tones, and dark iron banding give it a natural industrial character that pairs beautifully with Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic decor. Use it as an oversized planter for a statement indoor plant or dried botanicals in a living room or entryway. It works equally well as a fireside log holder or as a design-forward umbrella stand in a hallway. For collectors and Japanophiles, it is a rare and tactile piece of Japanese folk craft history -- a unique housewarming gift that carries the unmistakable soul of early Showa Japan.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Straight-grained softwood, likely sugi (cryptomeria/cedar), with forged iron hoops and loop handles
• Use: Large commercial dry-goods or grain measuring vessel; likely used in a rice or grain merchant setting
• Modern Use: Statement indoor planter or dried-floral display; fireside log holder; entryway umbrella stand
• Features: Stave-constructed cylindrical body; iron hoops at rim and base; two forged iron loop side handles; cross-brace iron bar on fitted base; branded character mark on side wall; additional ink markings on base; deep honey-amber patina with heavy surface wear consistent with commercial use
• Dimensions: 15 1/2"W x 12 1/2"D x 12"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and characterful piece of Japanese vintage folk craft -- built to work hard and shaped by time into something quietly beautiful.

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.