Hi! I’m not sure if this is the best place to post these questions. If I'm in the wrong group, I’d appreciate you pointing me in the right direction.
Can anyone help me with identification and translation of these Japanese rice molds? I picked them up from a recycle shop in the Kanagawa Prefecture in 2005/06. I can upload more pictures if you need add’l detail for any of them.
My questions…
1. Are they antique or just old/worn? How can I tell?
What is the significance – if any – of the designs?
Can you translate the kanji?
Thank you for your help!
~L
by Elle-LMT
3 Comments
These are Kashigata for making Wagashi. Mostly Neriki, Higashi and Rakugan
Sea Bream is used at weddings for prosperity, so the couple will always have enough to eat.
Flowers and other objects represent seasonal changes and celebrations.
They are very beautiful. Sadly there are only a few artisans still making these.
I’ve posted a few links on r/wagashi like this:
[https://www.reddit.com/r/wagashi/comments/1i60igd/vintage_kashigata_at_hareitiba_japanese_antique/](https://www.reddit.com/r/wagashi/comments/1i60igd/vintage_kashigata_at_hareitiba_japanese_antique/)
Can’t help you with translation, but I would love to see more.
Thanks for sharing!
No, these are not rice molds. They are wagashi moulds.
TIL, thank you. I have a beautiful lotus seed pod.