Vintage Japanese Natural Gourd Bottle

Wound with red silk tasseled cords with a wooden peg lid, this large naturally dried hyotan gourd was not only made for storing and carrying sake and seeds but as a good luck charm for display. Its delightful reddish brown color is paired with a hand-painted image of a leaping horse, likely as a representation of the Japanese saying “hyotan kara koma ga deru” which translates to “a horse comes out from a gourd”. The true meaning, however, is “things can happen in unexpected places”. The image may also be a nod to the zodiac year it was produced. Inside are dried seeds.

As a good luck charm, hyotan gourds symbolize the prosperity of descendants, preventing illness, and the success of a business. These gourds are also known to be hung at the entrance of a building with the lid off to protect entrants and the home from bad luck.

• Dried gourd
• Item weight: 118 grams
• Packed weight: 918 grams
• C1930
• Approx. 16.5 cm wide x 28 cm tall
• Good condition considering its age. Wear and tear due to age. Old adhesive around widest neck of gourd holding cord on. Please see the photos.
• This piece was purchased at the famous Osu Antique Market in Nagoya

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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.