Welcome to Antiques & Moore!

THIS LISTING IS FOR A GORGEOUS ANTIQUE JAPANESE BRONZE "YATATA" CALLIGRAPHY INK & BRUSH HOLDER, c. EARLY 19th CENTURY.

 YATATA ARE PERSONAL "PIPE SHAPED" PORTABLE WRITING SETS ORIGINATING IN MEDIEVAL JAPAN TO PROVIDE A CARRYING BOX FOR THE INK COTTON AND INCLUDES A LONG SHAFT FOR HOLDING THE BRUSH.

DURING THE KAMAKURA ERA (1185-1333), THE IDEA OF INK SATURATED COTTON APPEARED AND BY TOUCHING THE COTTON WITH A BRUSH, IT WAS READY TO USE TO WRITE. BY ENCLOSING THE COTTON IN A LETTER BOX ("SUMI-TSUBO"), IT WAS POSSIBLE TO CARRY THE SET AROUND WITHOUT RISK OF SPILLING INK. THE FIRST YATATA WERE LONG BOXES, HOWEVER, THE "SMOKING PIPE" SHAPE WAS DEVELOPED TO INCREASE THE STORAGE QUANITY OF AVAILABLE INK.

THIS WONDERFUL PIECE IS DECORATED WITH AN ALL-OVER DESIGN FEATURING LEAVES AND VINES IN HIGH RELIEF WITH A STYLIZED ANIMAL ON TOP FRONT OF BRUSH HOLDER.  BEAUTIFUL NATURALLY AGED PATINA.

MEASURES 6 1/2" HIGH, 17 1/4" LONG AND 5" WIDE. 

THE CONDITION IS EXCELLENT WITH NO DENTS, DINGS OR NOTED DAMAGE. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST ELABORATE AND NICEST EXAMPLES OF YATATA YOU WILL FIND. IT WOULD BE A GREAT ADDITION TO ANY JAPANESE BRONZE COLLECTION!

We welcome International buyers, however, please be aware that as sellers we cannot be responsible for any random Customs inspections or charges incurred as a result of this purchase.

We at Antiques & Moore have been in the Antiques business for over 30 years and try to describe our items as accurately as possible.  Although all sales are considered final, if there is an error in our description or a problem with our item, we will issue a full refund of the purchase price if contacted within 3 days after receipt of the item, however, please note that we cannot refund shipping charges.  We are happy to answer any questions and always appreciate your business!