Japanese Meiji Era Kawara Roof Original Box & Shrine Doc Signed

Authentic Japanese Antique Meiji Era Kawara Roof Tile | Original Wooden Box & Historical Shrine Document | Hand-Cast Temple Tile | Japanese Antique Auction

Own a remarkable piece of Japanese architectural history with this extremely rare Meiji Era Kawara (瓦) roof tile, preserved together with its original wooden storage box featuring a handwritten historical record attached to the lid.

Traditionally, Kawara roof tiles protected Japan's temples, shrines, castles, and prestigious residences. Besides their practical purpose, many carried family crests, temple symbols, or artisan marks and were considered symbols of longevity, protection, and prosperity.

This impressive antique example features a beautifully cast raised emblem on the face of the tile and remains housed inside its original wooden box. Even more exceptional is the handwritten document attached to the lid, which records the history and provenance of the tile.

The document dates to the Meiji period and references the recovery and preservation of an old roof tile during repairs to a historic shrine.

Translation of the Original Box Document
Approximate Translation

"Record"

September 17, Meiji 40 (1907)

During repair work at Fukuro Shrine (福田神社), located in Fukuro Village, Shigei District, an old roof tile was discovered beneath the foundation stones.

The tile was found approximately five to six sun (about 15–18 cm) below the ground beneath the shrine's stone foundation.

Believing the tile to possess historical significance, it was carefully preserved.

Recorded by:

Satō Hanjirō (佐藤半次郎)

Because the document is handwritten and over 100 years old, a few characters are difficult to read with complete certainty. However, the overall meaning clearly records the discovery and preservation of an old shrine roof tile during Meiji-era restoration work.

Features

🟢 Authentic Japanese Meiji Era antique

🟢 Traditional hand-cast Kawara roof tile

🟢 Original wooden storage box included

🟢 Original handwritten historical document attached to the lid

🟢 Raised architectural emblem cast into the tile

🟢 Historic shrine provenance

🟢 Exceptional collector's piece

🟢 Sourced from an Official Japanese Antique Auction

This museum-worthy artifact is ideal for collectors of Japanese architecture, shrine history, temple artifacts, or rare Meiji-era antiques.

Condition

Very good antique condition considering its age.

The roof tile displays expected signs of age including natural weathering, minor chips, surface wear, and an attractive historic patina consistent with over a century of preservation.

The original wooden box also shows age-related wear, while the handwritten document remains attached and remarkably well preserved.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Additional Information
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji Era (late 19th–early 20th century)
Material: Traditional fired clay (Kawara)
Construction: Hand-cast architectural roof tile
Includes: Original wooden storage box
Documentation: Original handwritten historical record
Provenance: Japanese Antique Auction
Suitable for collectors, museums, Japanese architecture collections, shrine history displays, and historical exhibitions
About Japanese Kawara

Kawara roof tiles have been an essential element of Japanese architecture for more than 1,300 years. Beyond protecting buildings from the elements, decorative tiles often symbolized prosperity, spiritual protection, and family identity. Historic examples removed during shrine or temple restorations are highly sought after because they preserve a tangible connection to Japan's architectural heritage.

📢 Important Shipping Policy Update
To ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.
Orders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.

📦 Condition
Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.