*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.
This listing is for a decorative gourd made around 40 years ago. It is made from a hollowed out gourd and is decorated with a beautiful pattern of cherry blossoms. Hollowed out gourds like these were once used a sake flasks, and they have a masculine image because Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s battle flag was mounted on a pole with a gold gourd ornament on top. Gourds are also thought to be auspicious and symbolise disaster prevention and prosperity. It comes with its original yellow hanging rope.
Decorative gourds are produced in various places throughout Japan such as Aomori, Gunma, Gifu, Kyoto and Hyogo. They are made by cutting a hole in the top and soaking the gourd in water for about 20 days. Then the pulp and seeds are removed and the gourd allowed to dry. Once dried the out layer is removed and painted with water-based paint. After a few days of drying it is coated in clear urushi lacquer and polished to make it smooth. The final step is choosing a suitable coloured hanging rope and attaching a cap on the end. **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.
Size
L.23.3cm (9.1”) x 9.6cm (3.7”) across (widest point) x 2.5cm (0.9”) diameter top
Condition
It’s in very good condition aside from the tassels being a little messy, and the ‘stopper’ is slightly worn. There’s also a crack at the very top, it doesn’t affect usage whatsoever though.
THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION
**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia: NO SHIPPING. Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries. We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process.
**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days). Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).
**Asia: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days). Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).
**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico: EMS Express 10-15 days.
**Russia: No shipping methods available.
