Vintage Japanese Rustic Wooden Folk Art Sculpture, 17" Tall Asian Retro Decor

A vintage Japanese wooden folk art decor piece from the Shiga Kogen / Shibu Pass area.

This wooden sculpture is known as “Mayoke Yamamba”. “Mayoke” refers to protection against misfortune, while Yamamba is a folkloric mountain figure used symbolically in Japanese folk art. Pieces of this type are generally considered pre-1980s vintage.

The vertical inscription reads “志賀渋峠 (Shiga Shibu Tōge).”
Note: The second character (加 + 天) is an older variant of the kanji「賀」 that is no longer commonly used.

This piece works well today as rustic Japanese wooden decor, a folk art display, or a retro Asian accent.

● Approx size: 17 H x 4 L x 5 D in

● Condition: Good vintage condition with imperfection notes below. Please expect some age-related wear, surface marks, and imperfections.

- The paper labels that says “民芸まよけ山姥” (Folk Art Mayoke Yamamba), is partially missing. Please see photos.
- Likely made from birch wood. The natural bark surface is fragile and may peel or flake easily.