Description
This beautiful stamp pad (shuniku-ire) is made from solid brass and features the image of a Japanese crane on the lid. This wonderful stamp pad is in excellent condition though it does have some very small marks as evidence of past use and the exposed metal surfaces wear a darkened patina from age. The stamp well is quite dry and may not be suitable for use in stamping. This stamp pad with classic Japanese design dates from the mid to late Showa period (1926-1989) and was acquired in the historic city of Shizuoka, Japan near the foot of Mt. Fuji.
Size:
Height (including lid): 1.2 inches (3.0 centimeters)
Diameter: 3.3 inches (8.5 centimeters)
Weight: 16.1 ounces (461 grams)
More about Stamping in Japanese Culture
Signature stamps or hanko as they are called by the Japanese have a long tradition as the formal form of endorsement for official documents such as receipts and deeds of ownership. Unlike in the west though, where each individual utilizes their unique signature, Japanese individuals rarely have their own hanko and instead will commonly use one of several hanko representing their family household. Household hanko come in three basic types: jitsuin, ginkouin and sanmonban. Jitsuin are hanko reserved for very large purchases such as cars and homes and usually include the head of household’s full name. The kanji used to form jitsuin is highly stylized and virtually unreadable and thereby quite difficult to forge. Jitsuin are usually larger than other types of hanko and are commonly stored in beautiful cases in keeping with their distinguished function. The next most-formal stamp is the bank stamp or ginkouin. This hand-crafted stamp is intended for banking and other such functions and normally includes just the family name. The least formal stamp is the sanmonban which is a small stamp used for informal purposes such as “signing” for packages. Sanmonban are also used by managers signing off on reports submitted by their subordinates. Hanko may be made of carved wood, bone or soft stone while antique hanko were sometimes made of expensive ivory. Portable hanko kits are as popular today as they were in old Japan and normally include a stamp, stamp pad with embedded ink and a case to hold these items together. Red is the most popular ink color for official stamping and stamps of artists, publishers and even state censors are commonly seen on classic art such as woodblock prints and art books.
item code: R3S4B4-0003378
category code: (calligmono)
ship code: L1650
Dropspot 
Leave a comment