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ID #SA1152075
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Rare Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Carved Wooden Nezumi Yatate & Brush
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1152075
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021
Browse dealers 35 items
Id #SA1152075
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Rare Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Carved Wooden Nezumi Yatate & Brush

1900 - 1920
Sold 4 July 2025 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Rare Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Carved Wooden Nezumi Yatate & Brush” found a buyer.

It was listed by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

See more writing instruments for sale Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

Superb Japanese Meiji (early 20thC) wooden nezumi yatate and brush with beautifully carved imitation ‘basket-work’ decorated with mice/rats with eyes inlaid in dark horn. Signed in a mother-of-pearl reserve. 24cm x 5cm (bowl).

Nice original condition.

‘Nezumi yatate’ refers to a type of portable writing set, specifically a ‘mouse-patterned openwork yatate’. Yatate are traditional Japanese writing implements consisting of a brush holder (fudezutsu) and an inkwell (sumitsubo), which slides open horizontally to reveal the inkwell.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Carved Wooden Yatate to the 1910s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
5cm (1.97")
Width
25cm (9.84")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1152075
Dealers Internal Reference
AD1236
Description
Superb Japanese Meiji (early 20thC) wooden nezumi yatate and brush with beautifully carved imitation ‘basket-work’ decorated with mice/rats with eyes inlaid in dark horn. Signed in a mother-of-pearl reserve. 24cm x 5cm (bowl).
fig 1. A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface.
fig 1. Rare Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Carved Wooden Nezumi Yatate & Brush

Nice original condition.

“
‘Nezumi yatate’ refers to a type of portable writing set, specifically a ‘mouse-patterned openwork yatate’.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Yatate are traditional Japanese writing implements consisting of a brush holder (fudezutsu) and an inkwell (sumitsubo), which slides open horizontally to reveal the inkwell.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Carved Wooden Yatate to the 1910s.

Height
5cm (1.97")
Width
25cm (9.84")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1152075
Dealers Internal Ref
AD1236
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2021
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art Profile Page

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A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 14
Archive I A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Rare Japanese Meiji (Early 20thc) Carved Wooden Nezumi Yatate & Brush

Archive II A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. View II
Archive III A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. View III
Archive IV A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. View IV
Archive V A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. View V
Archive VI A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. View VI
Archive VII A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. View VII
Archive VIII A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. View VIII
Archive IX A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. View IX
Archive X A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. View X
Archive XI A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. View XI
Archive XII A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. View XII
Archive XIII A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. View XIII
Archive XIV A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface. View XIV
Enlarged Archival View
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Telephone 07975 614592
Location
Bath
Somerset
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified Since Oct 2021
Items For Sale 35
Items Sold 783
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Verified Since Oct 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified
Oct 2021
For Sale
35
Sold
783
A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface.
Rare Japanese Meiji (early 20thC) Carved Wooden Nezumi Yatate & Brush
Ref: SA1152075
A carved wooden Japanese yatate featuring intricate rodent motifs and a woven basket texture, resting on a dark slate surface.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectWriting Instruments
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleMeiji Period Japanese
  • MaterialBoxwood, Wood
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsRat and basket carving, Woven texture simulation, Tubular brush case
  • SizeH 5 cm (2 in) x W 25 cm (10 in)

FAQs

A yatate is a traditional Japanese portable writing instrument used by scholars, merchants, and travellers to carry ink and writing brushes while on the move.

While early and common examples were forged from brass or bronze, fine decorative pieces were also carved from dense hardwoods, boxwood, or bamboo.

Authentic pieces typically exhibit precise hand-carved detailing, natural patina from handling, and construction methods consistent with late 19th-to-early 20th-century Japanese craftsmanship.

Such objects serve as focal display pieces on a desk, bookshelf, or glazed cabinet, where their intricate texture and historical significance can be appreciated closely.

Keep the object away from direct sunlight and dramatic fluctuations in humidity to prevent wood splitting, dusting gently with a dry, soft brush.
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