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Japanese Antique Birdcage Inspired by a Traditional Machiya House 1920s-1940s
$4,500
£3,416.31
€3,938.45
CA$6,365.87
A$6,853.44
CHF 3,670.15
MX$82,581.50
NOK 46,307.12
SEK 42,378.50
DKK 29,429.70
About the Item
This is an old Japanese birdcage, exquisitely crafted in the form of a traditional machiya townhouse. It is an exceptionally rare piece, believed to have been made in the early Showa period (1920s–1940s), and it embodies the refined craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility of that era’s artisans.
Constructed from cedar and bamboo, it faithfully reproduces the architectural details of a traditional townhouse. From the sloped roof and lattice arrangement to the shape of the windows, doors, and even the tiny railings, every element has been executed with astonishing precision and delicacy. The sheer perfection achieved on such a small scale is truly remarkable.
Birdcages of this quality were not ordinary household items; they were likely commissioned by wealthy families or cultural figures as bespoke works from master woodworkers. The fact that it has survived to this day in such well-preserved condition is nothing short of miraculous. Despite the passage of roughly a century, its structure remains intact, with only minimal losses visible. Minor chips and cracks caused by age serve not as flaws but as traces of time that deepen its beauty.
At the lower left of the front, there is a small kannon-style hinged door, designed for placing or removing a bird. The glass-paned sliding doors are still movable, showcasing the functional elegance of the era. Although the movement has slightly stiffened with age, the intricacy of its entirely hand-finished construction continues to inspire awe.
This birdcage transcends its original purpose as a mere tool for keeping birds—it stands as both an architectural model and a work of fine art. In my more than 20 years as a buyer traveling throughout Japan, I have never encountered another machiya-style birdcage of such exceptional quality. It is a one-of-a-kind art piece that captures the spirit of traditional Japanese architecture and the soul of its craftsmen.
Even in a modern interior, its presence is striking—as if a fragment of early Showa Japan’s townscape had quietly found its way into the present day. Simply displaying it evokes a sense of serenity and storytelling. This piece, poetic and architectural in nature, is a proud testament to the artistry and handcraft traditions of Japan.
Weight: 9.5 kg
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Our Philosophy
Objects always tell the truth.
All I can do is just to face with them sincerely and give
them deep affection as much as I can.
There is no boundary of nationalities and of eras in beauty.
But I think now is the time we choose 'Japanese style' and it
will be the best way to remind us of what we are losing
today and to question us about an essence of beauty again.
I hope that you can touch the memories which the objects here have,
feel and think of something invisible but exists undoubtedly.
- Dimensions:Height: 31.5 in (80 cm)Width: 30.91 in (78.5 cm)Depth: 23.82 in (60.5 cm)
- Style:Showa (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1920s-1940s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chōsei District Nagara, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10403246962762
About the Seller
4.8
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Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Chōsei District Nagara, Japan
- Return Policy
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