Vintage Japanese Kashigata Bean Paste Mold Lotus Seed Pod Motif

A hand carved hardwood bean paste mold that was carved to look like a lotus seed pod. The lotus seed pod was a symbol for having many children.

 

A tight grained hardwood was hand-carved in two parts. The two pieces fit together to form a three-dimensional mold with a design of a lotus seed.  Red dyed bean paste would have been pressed in the mold to form a cake with a lotus pod on top. There is artistry in the design with professional carving. There are holes in the base which fit pegs on the top to hold the mold together.

 

There is Japanese script burnt into the wood on the flat base, as well as handwriting on the back and the sides.

 

Attribution: The kashigata is at least 50 years old and could be significantly older.

 

 

5 7/8” (14.9 cm) x 5 7/8” (14.9 cm) x 1 ¾” (4.4 cm) thick. Weighs 1 lb 0.4 oz (465 g)

 

 

The wood has an old patina for oxidation. The top around the opening shows some old chips. The top has a newer chip on one corner and another along the edge.

 

A great Japanese folk art food mold that will add to a collection or you could make your own cakes with a lotus design.