Kashigata are hand-carved wooden molds used to press wagashi, Japanese confections traditionally served at tea ceremonies and seasonal celebrations. The pine tree (matsu) is one of the most enduring motifs in Japanese design, symbolizing longevity and resilience, and appears here in four related but individually carved variations.
This set of four molds comes from a working lot cleared from a confectionery shop in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Each piece was selected and matched by hand for its shared pine motif; sizes vary piece to piece, and the grain and tone of the wood differ slightly across the set, a natural result of decades of individual use. Please refer to the photos for the full range of forms and carving detail.
| Dimensions | Longest piece up to 245mm (9.6in), widest up to 105mm (4.1in), thickest up to 46mm (1.8in) — these are the largest values along each axis across the set of 4, not necessarily from a single piece. |
| Material | Wood (species unconfirmed, consistent with cherry or similar hardwood typical of kashigata molds) |
| Condition | Good vintage condition. Light surface wear consistent with age and genuine use. No cracks or major damage observed. |
| Origin | Acquired in Japan |