Antique Japanese Hyōtan (Sake Gourd)
Natural bottle gourd with deer-antler stopper and braided carrying cord · Taishō to early Shōwa period (c. 1912–1950s).
This antique Japanese hyotan was sourced in Japan and selected for its craftsmanship, history, and quiet presence.
ABOUT THIS PIECE
This traditional Japanese hyōtan (瓢箪) was made from a naturally grown bottle gourd, dried and prepared to create a lightweight but durable container traditionally used for carrying liquids such as water or sake.
Its naturally asymmetrical double-lobed body has developed a warm reddish-brown surface with subtle variations, marks and traces of handling. A dark braided cord is wrapped around the narrow waist and forms a carrying loop, accompanied by an aged decorative tassel.
Particularly attractive is the stopper, made from deer antler and carved with a small geometric pattern. Together, the natural gourd, dark cord, aged tassel and antler fitting give this relatively simple utilitarian object considerable character.
CULTURAL NOTE
Hyōtan have been used in Japan for centuries as practical containers for water and sake. Once dried and hollowed, the hard shell of the bottle gourd provided a naturally light and portable vessel. The gourd form also acquired auspicious associations, particularly with good fortune, fertility and prosperity.
The hyōtan also appears in the imagery surrounding Japan's Seven Gods of Good Fortune. Hotei, the cheerful, pot-bellied monk who became one of the Shichifukujin, is principally recognized by the large cloth bag he carries, but he is also represented with a gourd in Japanese art.
Beyond its symbolism, however, this piece remains fundamentally an everyday object: a natural material transformed with relatively little intervention into a practical and distinctly Japanese vessel.
DELIVERY
Delivery is included in the prices shown for Europe, the United States and Japan. For other destinations, please contact us for a delivered price.
Secure, reinforced packaging with tracking.
Note: Import duties or taxes may apply depending on the regulations of the destination country. For items over 100 years old, reduced import duties or taxes may apply in some countries. On request, we can provide a certificate stating the item’s estimated age to assist with customs clearance.
DETAILS & PRICE
SKU: A196
Price:
Europe: €360— delivery to Europe included
United States: US$420 — delivery to the USA included
Japan: ¥32,000 — delivery within Japan included
Material: Natural bottle gourd, deer antler, braided cord and tassel
Period: Taishō to early Shōwa period (c. 1912–1950s)
Origin: Japan
Features:
Natural double-lobed gourd; carved deer-antler stopper; braided carrying cord; decorative tassel
Dimensions: W 14 × D 11 × H 22 cm (5.5 × 4.3 × 8.7 in)
Condition:
Good antique condition, with surface wear, marks and colour variations consistent with age and use.
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