Matsu Kashigata (wagashi mould)

$120.00

With a 300 year old history, all of our selected Kashigata or wagashi (sweet) moulds, are antique or vintage and handmade from wood. This example features a beautifully hand-carved matsu or pine frond motif. Once highly functional items, sadly this is a dying craft making them a highly collectible art form. In recent times Kashigata have become a sought after form of sculptural art.

Traditional Kashigata confectionary moulds come in varying sizes. Those with multiple smaller carved shapes are predominantly used for making tea ceremony sweets and larger Kashigata, produce sweet offerings for gifting at special celebrations, shrines and altars. This kind of wagashi are made by pressing a mixture of rice flour and fine sugar into the carvings.

Commonly made from wood of the Yamazakura or Mountain Cherry , sometimes from Camellia or Ginko and more rarely from others - kashigata were hand-carved by artisans who spent a lifetime perfecting their craft. The wood was commonly aged for several years before carving.

Some Kashigata are intricate while others are streamlined and a combination looks absolutely stunning mounted on the wall or sitting on a sideboard, mantle or display unit.

Size

23 cm x approx. 10.5 cm x almost 2.5 cm deep as presented as one side of a mould 'plate'.

Condition

Showing some real wabi sabi character as per the pictures, this Kashiagata is in relatively good condition given its age and use, making it perfect for display.

**Price includes shipping in Australia - for OS please see international