Japanese Hagoita with Kabuki Samurai, 1960s

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Description

Large decorative hagoita (New Year’s paddle) featuring an expressive kabuki figure in a samurai role.

Dimensions: height 75 cm, width … Read more Large decorative hagoita (New Year’s paddle) featuring an expressive kabuki figure in a samurai role.

Dimensions: height 75 cm, width 32 cm, depth 9 cm.

The front is crafted in oshie technique: layered textiles in relief form the portrait and a brocade kimono with crane motifs. The warrior holds a katana—clearly identifiable by the cord-wrapped tsuka (hilt), tsuba (guard), and saya (scabbard). The face is delicately painted in theatrical style and gains extra drama from the sculptural treatment of the hands and costume.

The reverse shows a hand-painted scene with pine branches (matsu), a low sun, and a duck on still water—symbols of steadfastness, prosperity, and harmony.

In lovely, authentic condition with light age traces consistent with its years. Thanks to its generous size, it makes a striking wall piece that brings together tradition, theater, and craftsmanship in any interior. See less