This is a vintage Japanese carp streamer set (koinobori) used to celebrate Boy’s Day (also known as Children’s Day). This pair is for indoor use and are crafted from a combination of lacquered wood, metal, and resin. The base pieces are made of wood and the sticks that hold the display up are black lacquered wood segments that fit together and are decorated with raden (abalone shell). Each stand display has two fabric and wood wheels with a gold resin ball with a basket weave look. One stand has a silk fabric streamer while the other has three fish crafted from paper and fabric.

Children’s Day (kodomo no hi), formerly known as Boy’s Day (tango no sekku), is a Japanese national holiday that falls on May 5th on the last day of a string of spring holidays called Golden Week. Koinobori as a whole contains a metal ball with a spinning wheel vane at the top, followed by a many-tailed windsock either rainbow-colored tails or with a family crest, followed by koi streamers. Initially, a black fish traditionally represented the father, a red fish for the eldest son, and other colors for any other sons. Now that the holiday is celebrated for both sons and daughters, the red fish (sometimes pink) often represents the mother, and subsequent colors represent all a family’s children.

• Black, brown, red, blue, gold, green
• Wood, resin, fabric, metal
• C1970
• Item weight: 2024 grams
• Packed weight: 2600 grams
• Approx.  [Assembled] 113 cm tall x 22 cm long x 22 cm wide
• Good condition considering age. The stick segments do not sit straightly flush when assembled due to a bent metal piece (so it may lean or appear warped). Gold paint on top balls cracked. Some lacquer wear on contact points. Wear and tear due to age. Please see the photos carefully.
• We acquired this item from the famous Osu Antique Market in Nagoya, Japan.

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About Us: We are Dan and Maiko. Since moving to Japan in 2001, we have gained a vast knowledge of Japanese antiques and vintage items. We are excited to offer you a delightful glimpse of the beauty that Japan has to offer. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.