🎎 Iron Tengu Paperweight (Bunchin) – Red Cast Iron Desk Ornament – Japan Antique Roadshow
🎎 This striking red paperweight (文鎮 / bunchin) is cast in solid iron and formed in the likeness of a tengu—one of Japan’s most enigmatic and enduring yōkai. Known for their long noses, piercing eyes, and mountain-dwelling mischief, tengu occupy a unique place in Japanese folklore: half-god, half-goblin, sometimes foes of arrogant priests, sometimes protectors of sacred forests. They are also said to possess martial skills and to pass them on to worthy human pupils. This one, with its unmistakable snout and animated brow, delivers the myth with weight and whimsy.
Hand-painted in crimson enamel over cast iron, the piece likely dates to the late Showa or early Heisei era (c. 1980–2000). While its primary function is as a desk paperweight—used to keep loose papers still in the drafty summers of traditional Japanese homes—its form channels something deeper: a connection to old stories, whispered warnings, and the trickster spirits that still dwell in the hills. The surface is finely textured, with subtle variations in the paint and minor wear that speak to age and honest use.
📏 Approximate dimensions
• Size: 6 cm long × 4.5 cm wide × 5 cm tall (including nose)
• Weight: 200 g
• Material: Solid cast iron with red enamel coating
• Condition: Good vintage condition with light surface wear
• Era: Late Showa–Early Heisei (c. 1980–2000)
• Function: Traditional paperweight (bunchin) or decorative desk companion
Curated in Shizuoka City by Kurt Bell, this expressive little goblin brings a touch of folklore, gravity, and humor to your desk—a small reminder that even troublemakers have their place in the story.
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Quality Guarantee & Returns
- Quality is guaranteed. If there is a print error or visible quality issue, we'll replace or refund it.
- Because the products are made to order, we do not accept general returns or sizing-related returns.