A LARGE JAPANESE WOOD KETTLE HOOK

A LARGE JAPANESE WOOD KETTLE HOOK, JIZAI-KAGI

MEIJI OR TAISHO PERIOD, EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Of typical form and made of keyaki (zelkova wood), the peaked roof with suspension pegs to the side and a deep groove where the kettle's rope passed through, 39cm.

These hooks are of a type named 'Daikoku's hook' because of its resemblance to the God of Good Fortune's hat. These massive wood carvings were used for suspending kettles from a ceiling beam over the sunken hearth, irori. They were seen as a symbol of the family's stability and prosperity.