Japanese Jizai Kagi
Antique Japanese Wooden Jizai Kagi Hearth Kettle Decorative Hanger
Age:1920-1930 (Shōwa era)
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 5-1/2”h x 18-0”l x 3-1/4w
Offered is a 19th-century antique hand-crafted Jizai Kagi Country Style Hearth Pot Hanger made as a sculptural wood stylized fish, which hold in their mouths a ball, symbol of the universe. Having no eyelids, the fish symbolizes wakeful attention and vigilance in devotion. This version is meant to be suspended. This wonderful example has a fine original dark patina and strung on a hemp rope with an iron hanger.
Such decorative and functional pieces were used in conjunction with a irori which is a traditional Japanese sunken square, stone-lined pit in the floor filled with a type of charcoal that served as a family gathering location and used for heating the room. These built-in fixtures were also for cooking food and equipped with an adjustable pothook called a jizaikagi, and occasionally consisting of an iron or bamboo rod used for raising or lowering a suspended pot or kettle by means of an attached lever, which is often decoratively designed in the shape of a fish, or an architectural element of solid hardwood referred to as a hearth hook, (Daikoku). In wealthy homes many of these had a natural bamboo pole with chain & hook system or rope as you see here that allowed the lowering of the pot hanging hook under the fish to adjust a pot close to a fire.
Specifically related to the ornamental qualities of this piece, the koi shows its natural long flowing fins with a head in contrast to the textured scales and simplistic ribs of the tail. This fish has a mustache below and at the sides of two pairs of U-shaped nostrils, (or nares) located on either side of the snout, and between two eyes without eyelids, indicating the fish is believed to never sleep. Also shown is the open mouth which is also characteristic of this fish. This hand carving has a fixed "wish-granting jewel” in its mouth which symbolizes a pearl and is said to protect against fire. Quite appropriate for where this Jizai Kagi is used on a daily basis). Koi are known to have a powerful and energetic life force, demonstrated by its ability to swim against currents and even travel upstream. The Koi fish shows many of the attributes that symbolize prosperity and success including several lessons individuals often encounter in life. Some of the characteristics associated with the Koi include: Good fortune, success, prosperity, longevity, courage, ambition and perseverance. This everyday object were treasured as objects of beauty. Today these antique and vintage works incorporating the Koi have been called “living jewels” and “swimming flowers” for their physical beauty have symbolic significance in Asian cultures.
Condition: Excellent original condition, unaltered, sooted coloration and finished with a natural colored candle wax, (Rosoku no ro). Experienced artisans used over two hundred different chisels and knives to carve objects in three-dimensions, a technique known as ‘fukabori’, which amply demonstrates their superb craftsmanship. The piece is consistent with age and meets all the standards of collectible Folk Art.
