Vintage Japanese Hand-carved Wooden Fish - 1990s Heisei Era (25D-106)

Vintage Japanese Fish, Wood (SKU 25D-106)

Hand-carved kuro-urushi style wooden fish hook weight with bold, sculptural presence.

This substantial vintage Japanese wooden fish is carved in the round with dynamic movement, from the flared tail to the pursed lips and carefully modeled eyes. The deep black finish, lightly burnished at the edges, recalls kuro-urushi lacquer and gives the scales and fins a rich play of light, making it a striking accent whether displayed on a shelf or suspended.

Fitted with a natural fiber rope and iron hook, this piece follows the tradition of carved fish used as decorative counterweights and folk talismans symbolizing abundance and good fortune. Its honest surface wear and tactile carving marks speak to its life as a practical yet artful object, ideal for adding an authentic Japanese folk-art (mingei) touch to interiors from rustic to minimalist.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Heisei period, late 20th century (1990s)
• Material: Carved wood with dark stain, natural fiber rope, iron hook
• Use: Decorative hanging fish weight / interior accent for tokonoma, genkan, or modern display
• Features: Bold three-dimensional carving; detailed scales and fins; kuro-urushi style black finish; original rope suspension and metal hook; classic Japanese folk-art carp motif symbolizing prosperity
• Dimensions: 17 1/2"W x 5 1/2"D x 8"H
• Condition: Very good vintage condition with light surface wear and small scuffs consistent with age and use

A characterful vintage carving that brings the quiet strength and good fortune of the Japanese carp into any space.

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 and antique 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.