Antique Japanese folk art carved cherry wooden cookie mold Bamboo Kashigata

  

Vintage Japanese hand-carved mountain cherry wooden confectionary mold, (mould) known as a Kashigata, featuring a symbolic bamboo motif. Kashigata are traditionally used to make higashi, a type of dry, low-momoisture Japanese sweet (wagashi). The sweets are made from rice or soybean flour and fine sugar, which are pressed into the mold and dried to create intricate shapes. These molds are often carved with symbolic designs, such as pine, bamboo, and plum blossom, and are used for special occasions and tea ceremonies.

Kashigata is considered a collectible piece of traditional Japanese folk art. Made for shaping rice flour and sugar sweets, they have been part of Japanese culture for over 300 years.

Like many old craft traditions, kashigata carving is slowly disappearing. As a result, these handmade tools are now harder to find and increasingly sought after. Each piece is a one of a kind hand carving. Great care went into its creation, and the quality is felt the moment you hold it. The fit is precise, with smooth edges and a top and bottom that lock together using wooden pegs.

The process begins long before carving. Mountain cherry wood is carefully seasoned for three years to prevent cracking or warping.

For generations, skilled craftsmen carved a wide range of images filled with meaning, passing both the spirit of the maker and layers of natural and spiritual symbolism into the art of delicate Japanese sweets. This mold features bamboo, a symbol of perseverance, strength, and flexibility. It is in excellent condition. The Beauty of Vintage Every item in our shop is authentically vintage, meaning it has lived a life before finding its way to you. As such, you may notice signs of age: a worn edge, a faded detail, a small imperfection. These aren't flaws, they're the marks of time, and they tell the story of where each piece has been. We believe this character is part of what makes vintage so special. It's a quiet kind of beauty: well-traveled, well-loved, and ready to be appreciated all over again. These details are part of their charm and story, and are always described as clearly as possible in listings. If you have any questions before purchasing, just send me a message, I'm happy to help! As a small shop, every review makes a big difference. If you love your item, I'd be so grateful if you left a 5-star review! If there's any issue at all, please reach out, I'm always happy to help make things right.

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