Antiques & Collectables

Vintage Japanese Hand-Carved Wooden Kashigata Cake Mold with Manji Symbols

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Start price: £20

Estimated price: £20 - £40

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Description

This item is a traditional Japanese kashigata, a hand-carved wooden mold used for shaping wagashi (confectionery) or sugar cakes. Carved from a single block of hardwood, the mold features a rectangular body with an integrated handle. The face contains four circular recessed intaglio molds. Each mold is carved with a central raised relief of a left-facing (counter-clockwise) swastika, known as a manji, a traditional symbol in Japanese culture representing peace and good fortune. The construction is characteristic of folk-art kitchenware, with smooth edges on the handle and deep, precise carvings in the circular recesses. No maker marks, RZM codes, or manufacturer stamps are visible.