Japanese Sasano Ittobori Wild Boar Wood Carving

A striking Japanese Sasano Ittobori wood carving depicting a wild boar, handcrafted in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture.

The animal is reduced to a wonderfully direct and expressive form, while the repeated curled shavings along its back reveal one of the most distinctive characteristics of the Sasano carving tradition.

Viewed from different angles, the rough-cut body, pointed snout, small painted eyes, and rhythmic carved surface give the piece an almost contemporary sculptural quality.

SASANO ITTOBORI

Sasano Ittobori is a traditional woodcarving craft from the Sasano district of Yonezawa City in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan.

The craft is traditionally produced using a distinctive carving tool known as a sarukiri.

Rather than extensively smoothing the wood, the carving process itself becomes part of the finished appearance, creating the characteristic cut, curled, and feather-like surfaces associated with Sasano carving.

The best-known Sasano carving is the Otaka Poppo hawk, but craftspeople also create other animals and zodiac figures.

WILD BOAR / JAPANESE ZODIAC

This piece depicts the wild boar, or inoshishi, associated with the boar sign of the Japanese zodiac.

Its compact body is formed through a series of bold knife cuts, while the curled wooden elements running along the back create an especially distinctive silhouette.

Although rooted in Japanese folk craft, the abstraction of the animal and the visible carving marks allow the piece to be appreciated simply as a small wooden sculpture.

DISPLAY

A beautiful object for a shelf, desk, cabinet, entryway, or collection of Japanese folk art and handcrafted objects.

It works particularly well in contemporary, wabi-sabi, Japandi, and minimalist interiors where the texture and natural character of the wood can be appreciated.

SIZE

Approx. [SIZE]

Material: Wood
Craft: Sasano Ittobori / Sasano carving
Motif: Wild boar / Japanese zodiac
Origin: Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

Includes original storage box.

CONDITION

Excellent condition.

This is an unused piece that has been preserved in long-term storage.

It remains in remarkably clean and beautiful condition.

Very minor signs associated with age or long-term storage may be present. Please refer carefully to the photographs for the exact condition.

Variations in carving, wood grain, shape, and surface are inherent characteristics of this handmade craft and are not considered defects.

The photographs show the actual piece you will receive.