Near Pair of Japanese Jizai Kagi Wood Koi Folk Art Sculptures

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A near pair of wood koi fish from Japan circa 1860-90s of late Meiji Period. Hand-carved from solid wood, these … Read more A near pair of wood koi fish from Japan circa 1860-90s of late Meiji Period. Hand-carved from solid wood, these sculptures are known as Jizai Kagi in Japanese and function as the leveling pulley for the attached hearth hook. Traditionally, they were used above an indoor floor hearth (irori) to hold cooking vessels such as tea pot over the fire. These koi hoods provide a lovely ornamental touch to an otherwise purely functional object. Hand-carved and vanished in dark oily color, the Jizai Kagi shows off a strong Mingei (folk art) appeal to modern eyes for their robust and rustic representation of the fish. Naturally they were exposed to kitchen elements such as fires and smokes therefore have developed a deep patina. Full of charm, they are work of art themselves and can look very interesting in a well-informed interior. See less