Japanese Vintage Wood Carved Fish Jizaikagi Yokogi Hearth Hook Crossbar Mingei

Size:
Height: 16.0 cm / 6.3 in
Width: 59.4 cm / 23.4 in
Depth: 11.0 cm / 4.3 in
Weight: 2700 g / 5.95 lbs

This is a Vintage Japanese wooden crossbar (yokogi) for a traditional hearth hook (jizaikagi). It is hand-carved in the shape of a fish, a design traditionally used in Japanese farmhouses (minka).

The piece is carved from a single block of wood and exhibits a dark, aged patina resulting from years of exposure to smoke over an open hearth (irori). It features detailed carving of scales and fins and includes the original iron adjustment hook and rope. In Japanese folklore, the fish motif was used as a symbolic talisman to protect the house from fire.

Condition:
The item shows significant signs of aging, including surface cracks, wood wear, and rust on the iron components. The dark surface is a natural soot patina (susudake) accumulated through historical use.

Please check the photos carefully for details.