Antique Japanese Handcarved Inkan Marble Stamp Zodiac Tiger 3” Shogiban harmonizing utility with elegance

harmonizing utility with elegance

She is wearing a forest green hantan coat with a geometric patterned kimono and obi beneath

Photography: Aya Brackett

Having just been brought back from Japan this lidded container remains in good polish and in fine condition

The top handle is still very secure and provides a convenient way to transport this chest

Antique Japanese Handcarved Inkan Marble Stamp Zodiac Tiger 3” Shogiban harmonizing utility with eleganceThis is a vintage Chinese late marble or hard igneous stone name stamp known as an inkan. In Japan and China one does not sign, but rather stamp ones name with a chop or inkan like this one. This inkan has a hand carved Tiger motif on top with a name carved on its flat bottom. The Tiger carving is very well done (see close up pictures). Likely inscribed with a poem. This over a half century old inkan stamp measures 3" tall by 2" wide by 1 1 8 thick.