🎎 Vintage Japanese Hyottoko & Okame Carved Seed Faces – Japan Antique Roadshow

This charming pair of hand-carved seed faces captures the playful essence of Japanese folk tradition. Depicting Hyottoko (ひょっとこ), the whimsical fool with his iconic puckered mouth, and Okame (おかめ), the goddess of mirth and good fortune, these miniature sculptures bring a sense of humor and joy to any collection. Likely crafted from large chestnut seeds, they reflect the mingei (folk art) aesthetic, celebrating simple, heartfelt craftsmanship. Their small size makes them unusual and delightful examples of Showa-era Japanese folk artistry, perfect for display or as a conversation piece in any space that appreciates the quirks of traditional culture.

📏 Approximate dimensions & details

• Weight (pair): 30 g

• Size (each): 4.8 cm x 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm

• Material: Hand-carved natural seed (likely chestnut)

• Era: Mid‑Showa period (c. 1950s–70s)

• Condition: Time-worn with a gentle patina, minor scratches, and natural surface marks

Hyottoko is a beloved figure in Japanese festivals and theater, often associated with comic dances and lighthearted fun, while Okame represents joy, laughter, and auspiciousness. Together, they appear frequently in traditional masks, street performances, and folk crafts, symbolizing good humor and domestic happiness. This small folk art duo carries the warmth of a bygone era and offers a tangible glimpse into Japan’s living traditions.

Curated in Shizuoka City by Kurt Bell, this pair of carved seed faces is a quiet and whimsical connection to Japanese folk culture and the enduring charm of mingei craftsmanship.

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