Naga399 Japanese symbols of longevity wall plaque

Japanese wall plaque from the late 1930’s commemorating a dispatch of troops to the war front. The plaque is a root slice section of an ancient cedar, and set with hand carved representations of long life: pine, bamboo, plum, tortoise, crane. The two cranes are particularly magnificent in joined sections of ebony, boxwood, and cedar. The moon and the plum blossoms are also done in boxwood. The back carries the words: ‘Gift from All the Non-Commissioned Officers of Sado’ Was this perhaps given to the Commander’s family on Sado Island in commemoration of their assignment. I find also that there were two ships in the Japanese Navy named Sado, a frigate that was sunk in 1944 off Manila, and a troop transport ship sunk off of Oshima at the entrance to Tokyo Bay in 1942. Could it be from the troops on the carrier Sado? Whichever the case, the plaque is a somewhat sad momento mori of the war, but it is still a glorious piece of art. Width 110 cm., height 64 cm. but varies.

naga399 Japanese wall plaque   $275.00 (shipping & packing available) We accept VISA and MASTERCARD See more at Richard Arts