Japanese Hangi Woodblock Printing Plate, Yamashiro Ujitawara, 1940s

Details

Description

A rare Japanese wooden printing plate, hand-carved as a mark for a merchant or workshop from Yamashiro Ujitawara, a historic … Read more A rare Japanese wooden printing plate, hand-carved as a mark for a merchant or workshop from Yamashiro Ujitawara, a historic tea region in Kyoto.

Dimensions: height 44 cm, width 30 cm, depth 1.5 cm.

This wooden printing plate, known as a hangi, was carved in reverse so that the text and central mark would appear correctly when printed. The inscription refers to Yamashiro Ujitawara, an area closely connected with Japanese tea culture. The round central emblem is a stylised trade mark or family logo, used as an identifying mark on packaging, wooden boxes, cloths or commercial materials.

The deep black surface, visible carving marks and warm brown wood showing through along the edges and worn areas give the piece a particularly powerful presence. The combination of craftsmanship, calligraphy, graphic form and authentic patina makes this a highly decorative and historically interesting object.

Today, this printing plate works beautifully as a wall object, displayed in a cabinet or used as a strong graphic accent in a sober or minimalist interior. A unique Japanese utilitarian object with a sculptural, authentic and atmospheric character.

Condition: in beautiful vintage condition, with old ink residue, authentic signs of use, wear, small imperfections and a patina that fits perfectly with its age and original function. See less