Vintage Japanese Bamboo Taka-Makura Head Neck Rest Geisha Samurai Tall Pillow

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Seller: figuerez ✉️ (3,282) 100%, Location: Northwich, GB, Ships to: WORLDWIDE, Item: 332275637394 Vintage Japanese Bamboo Taka-Makura Head Neck Rest Geisha Samurai Tall Pillow.  I came into possession of this item by chance.  I believe it to be a Japanese head or neck rest or tall pillow (Makura or Takamakura in Japanese). It is a striking and an unusual object. High headrests like this are used to protect the coiffure of someone while sleeping. Most famously they have been used by Samurai to protect their top-knot or by Geisha or noble-women to protect their elaborate hair-dos.  Taka-makura are often made of lacquered wood or in the 20th century commonly of blue and white porcelain.  Bamboo (like this one) is also occasionally used.   The underlying structure is made of 3-ply wood including the "bows" of the cradle. This structure is faced with polished bamboo at the front and on the legs.  The top is made of slats of bamboo with a central bracer and thicker stems of bamboo at the ends. It has a small drawer under the cradle. This may have been used to hold a small bag of wheat-chaff or something similar which would be placed on top of the cradle at night for a little comfort. At night sometimes aromatics or evaporating medicines would be placed in the drawer so that vapours might soothe the sleeper. Also small valuables such as coins, a seal, signet, token or jewellery would be placed in the drawer with the drawer-side positioned towards a wall for safe-keeping. The drawer is narrower towards the top. The indicative internal measurements of the drawer are 16 x 17 x 11 cm (6.25 x 6.75 x 4.25 inches). It could be used as a jewellery box, trinket box, key box, small sewing box, small craft, art or hobby box, sweet box, treat box  or change box. Or it could be used for pot-pourri (with sandalwood for example) or as a keep-safe or hidey-hole. I do not know the date of this item but it has a patina which suggests some age.  True 3-ply plywood was invented in the late 19th century but the use of other layered and veneered woods has long history in Japan for woodblocks, lacquerware and Tansu box work. It is quite tall. The trough of the cradle is about 21 cm (8.25cm) high. This must have made it quite uncomfortable unless it was used in conjunction with a very thick futon.  I imagine the makura would rest on the floor or tatami at the end of the futon.   The "horns" of the cradle are about 28 cm (11 inches) high.  The cradle is 50 cm (19.5 inches) long and the whole thing is about 24 cm (9.5 inches wide). It weighs about 1420g (3lbs 2ozs). It is very well made to a high standard and very strong.  It could also be used as a low stool. It is strong enough to support my 15 stone frame. (210 lbs / 95 kg).   It would also make a striking display item. International shipping will take 5-9 working days by a fully tracked service. Please note this is a fixed price listing. Offers are not invited. Thanks for looking. Please check out my other items. I have other vintage and antique oriental items listed. PLEASE ALSO TAKE LOOK AT THE OTHER ITEMS IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN SECTION OF MY SHOP. If you purchase multipole items I will refund any postage savings. For collection in person, please note I require payment in advance via Paypal.  Local import duties and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer. Parcel size 55 36 32 2.7k Search terms : ronin, Search terms : Man cave, babe cave, she shed room of your own big boys toys
  • Primary Material: Bamboo
  • Product: Head rest
  • Region of Origin: Japanese

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