🎎 Japanese Woodblock Typeset Trio – Early Showa Era – Japan Antique Roadshow

🎎 This is a finely preserved set of three hand-carved Japanese woodblock typeset pieces, originally used in small-scale printing, labeling, or personal stamping work. Carved into hardwood, each block features kanji characters that may have once formed part of business names, commercial signage, or other printing applications. As with many individual typeset blocks, the exact standalone meaning of each character can be context-dependent—potentially part of store names, product labels, or combined phrases that are no longer fully reconstructable today. Regardless of their original use, they present beautifully together as a visual artifact of Japan’s traditional typesetting craft.

The set likely dates from the early Shōwa era (1926–1989), though it may extend back to the Taishō period (1912–1926), based on the carving style, wear, and adoption of metric dimensions. The blocks carry rich evidence of their former life: smooth edges, embedded ink stains (primarily black, with some red), and age-appropriate handling marks. The craftsmanship remains sharp, with legible cuts that highlight both the artisan’s skill and the quiet utility these blocks once served.

📏 Approximate dimensions:

• Weight (total set): 10g

• Each block: 2.0 cm (length) × 0.8 cm (width) × 1.3 cm (height)

• Material: Hardwood

• Era: Early Showa to Taisho period

• Condition: Used, with ink staining and handling marks consistent with age

Curated in Shizuoka City by Kurt Bell, this small but evocative collection offers a window into Japan’s rich material culture of printmaking, signage, and small-scale commerce—an intersection of craft, language, and history, preserved in hand-carved wood.

Welcome to the Japan Antique Roadshow channel. My name is Kurt Bell and I am delighted that you have taken some time to share a little of Japan with me. I'm available on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and via email (email address listed below) if you have questions or just want to chat and say hi. I look forward to meeting you online. Have a great day!

Embark with Kurt, an American journeyman born in 1964, as he delves into Japan's rich mosaic of art, tradition, and spirituality. His book Going Alone is a personal reflection on his life’s journey and the philosophy he’s developed along the way — offering insight into solitude, courage, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. 🌄📚🎎

➡️ https://a.co/d/6SORY8N Get your copy of Going Alone at this link (the hardcover edition is recommended) 🤠🏜️☀️

🌐 Website: https://goingalone.org
📧 Email: dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com
🌀 Discord: https://discord.gg/srfDtMN5jA
👍 Support my endeavors on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/softypapa

Be safe... But not too safe

#KurtBell #GoingAlone #TheGoodLife #StoicExplorer #JapaneseAntique #Woodblock #JapaneseTypeset #Mingei #WabiSabi #ShowaEra #TaishoEra #JapanAntiqueRoadshow #Softypapa