Vintage Japanese paper washi cut-out – Japan, circa 1920

An old Japanese wash paper account bowl, round in shape with a hand-rolled edge, decorated across its surface with characters and marks of handwritten accounts in black ink. It originates from Japan, from the Taisho era or the early Showa period, when Japanese factories and businesses used lightweight laminated wash paper bowls to keep daily production records. The account bowl — a variant of harikō (Japanese papier-mâché) applied to factory tools — served both as a container and an improvised notebook. Each ink inscription records a date, a name, a quantity, or a group of marks (正 shō) that the accountant traced to total deliveries. Prolonged use has covered the entire piece with notes, turning it into a material archive. Details. Dimensions: Length 41 cm – Depth 39 cm – Height 19 cm. Style: Traditional Japanese, Taisho / early Showa. Materials and techniques: Hand-laminated wash paper on a wooden core; layer of gofun (calcium carbonate); fine brush calligraphy in black ink. Place of origin: Japan. Period: Taisho / early Showa. Date of manufacture: Circa 1920. Condition / Observations: Good. Some marks from use. Wear consistent with age and use.