Japanese Antique wooden Karuta card game Tohoku region w / box WO351

Rare Wooden Karuta Card Set from Tohoku or Hokkaido Region, Japan – Meiji Period Influence
The box is inscribed with the date "January, Meiji 26" (1893)
This beautiful and rare set of wooden Karuta cards comes from Japan’s Tohoku or Hokkaido region, known for its rich tradition of storytelling and local craftsmanship. Unlike the typical Karuta cards, which are made of paper, this set features wooden cards—a rare and historically significant variant.
Making this not just a game but also a cultural artifact. The wooden cards are well-preserved and come in their original wooden box, adding to their value as a collectible item.
Wooden Karuta sets are extremely hard to find due to their limited production and the fragility of wood over time. This set is an excellent opportunity for collectors of Japanese antiquities, traditional games, or those interested in Japan's Edo-period culture.
SIZE
(karuta)
Length: 6.2cm
Width: 4.3cm
(Box)
Length: 26.5cm
Width: 14cm
Height: 6cm
total weight: 950g
What is Karuta?
Karuta is a traditional Japanese card game that is played using two types of cards: reading cards and picture cards.

Condition: used : There are scuffs, scratches, and dirt due to age.
These wooden cards are a rare example of traditional Karuta, a Japanese card game that has roots dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). The cards in this set come from the Tohoku or Hokkaido region, known for their distinctive wooden craftsmanship and unique dialects or regional poetry. While Karuta is most often associated with colorful paper cards, these wooden versions are much rarer and were likely used for more specialized or local variations of the game, such as those played in rural areas or as teaching tools for poetry and moral lessons.

The inscriptions on these wooden cards suggest a close connection to the Japanese art of calligraphy and regional storytelling. Each card seems to feature verses that may have been used for educational purposes or cultural transmission, making this set not only a game but also a tool for passing down knowledge and tradition.
These wooden Karuta sets are rare because most Karuta cards are made of paper, and the delicate wood versions were less common and more expensive to produce. Their survival through generations, often passed down as family treasures, adds to their historical and cultural value. Furthermore, the fact that this set is in such good condition, complete with its original wooden box, makes it a particularly unique find for collectors of Japanese antiques or traditional games.