Namiki Emperor Rankaku Owl

Known as “fukuro” in Japanese, the owl has been tied to mythical beliefs since the Jomon period (4,000–300 BCE). Initially a decorative motif, it evolved into a protector against malevolent forces and illnesses, before becoming an omen of bad tidings itself. Several centuries later, during the Edo period (1603–1868 BCE), it regained its protector status as a ward against illness and a promoter of healing. Today, gifting someone with an item depicting an owl means wishing for a good life with no hardships. 

This nocturnal bird is featured on the Namiki Emperor Owl, crafted by master artisan Yutaka Sato using the Rankaku and Togidashi-Taka Maki-e techniques. Rankaku is the embedding of small pieces of quail eggshells into a lacquered surface, while Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Burnished-Flat Maki-e) is a laborious blend of techniques that offers an ethereal, three-dimensional effect. 

We have for sale a brand-new Namiki Emperor Owl, complete with its box, papers, and other inclusions.