Antique Japanese Jizai Kagi Display, Sea Bream, 1910s

Rare wooden Jizai Kagi from a traditional Japanese farmhouse, originally the adjustable crossbeam (yokogi) of a hearth hook used to suspend a kettle above the irori fire.

Dimensions: height 17 cm, width 34 cm, depth 20 cm.

What makes this piece special is its carved sea bream (tai) shape – a good-luck motif linked to medetai, meaning “auspicious” or “prosperous”. Most Jizai Kagi were made in the more common carp form, which makes this example particularly unusual.

The wood has turned a deep, almost black tone after years above the flames: soot, smoke and light charring on one side create a powerful, authentic patina. The Jizai Kagi is mounted on a dark wooden base (daiza), allowing it to be presented as a sculptural object.

A striking piece of Japanese folk art from the late Edo to early Meiji period that brings strong character and atmosphere to any interior, from wabi-sabi inspired spaces to eclectic antique settings.