Antique Japanese Handcarved Inkan Marble Stamp Zodiac Tiger 3” Shogiban Photography: Aya Brackett

Photography: Aya Brackett

The top handle is still very secure and provides a convenient way to transport this chest

harmonizing utility with elegance

Having been used lovingly and carefully over 150 years

This one is 10"" tall and covered with very decorative calligraphy

Antique Japanese Handcarved Inkan Marble Stamp Zodiac Tiger 3” Shogiban Photography: Aya BrackettThis is a vintage Chinese late marble or hard igneous stone name stamp known as an inkan. In Japan and China one does not sign, but rather stamp ones name with a chop or inkan like this one. This inkan has a hand carved Tiger motif on top with a name carved on its flat bottom. The Tiger carving is very well done (see close up pictures). Likely inscribed with a poem. This over a half century old inkan stamp measures 3" tall by 2" wide by 1 1 8 thick.