Offered are a pair of post war Japanese Kabuki paddles circa 1960, featuring a male and female Kabuki character actors in full traditional Japanese regalia with weapon mounts in hand. Also included is the original shuttlecock ball which is super rare to find! Material is fabric (probably cotton) on wood with hand painted floral themes to the reverse side (see images); handles are wrapped in felt. The paddles are in excellent and all original condition, and would have been used to play Hanetsuki (probably pickle ball today!!). This was a traditional Japanese game played at the New Year and would have entailed using these elaborate three dimensional looking paddles, called Hagoita, to smash and bat away shuttlecocks or “hanes” (brightly colored round balls) to ward off evil spirits. The custom dates back to the early 17th century Edo period in Japan.
The paddles are intricately and well made; hand crafted with much attention to detail. Unique to find in this larger size and quality, and to find as a pair, especially as a couple. As stated previously, so hard to find the original “hane” (ball)—-see images. Suitable for hanging on the wall to display if desired.
Dimensions:
Female character is: 24″ high x 9″ wide (tapers down to the handle) x 3″ deep
male character is 21″ high x 7 3/4″ wide (tapers down to the handle) x 2 1/2″ deep
Shuttlecock ball is felt covered hard rubber 2 1/2″ diameter
Provenance: Acquired recently from a San Francisco estate