{"product_id":"japanese-meiji-era-kawara-roof-original-box-shrine-doc-signed","title":"Japanese Meiji Era Kawara Roof Original Box \u0026 Shrine Doc Signed","description":"\u003cp\u003eAuthentic Japanese Antique Meiji Era Kawara Roof Tile | Original Wooden Box \u0026amp; Historical Shrine Document | Hand-Cast Temple Tile | Japanese Antique Auction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOwn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe document dates to the Meiji period and references the recovery and preservation of an old roof tile during repairs to a historic shrine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranslation of the Original Box Document\u003cbr\u003eApproximate Translation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Record\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeptember 17, Meiji 40 (1907)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tile was found approximately five to six sun (about 15–18 cm) below the ground beneath the shrine's stone foundation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBelieving the tile to possess historical significance, it was carefully preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecorded by:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSatō Hanjirō (佐藤半次郎)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeatures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🟢 Authentic Japanese Meiji Era antique\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🟢 Traditional hand-cast Kawara roof tile\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🟢 Original wooden storage box included\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🟢 Original handwritten historical document attached to the lid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🟢 Raised architectural emblem cast into the tile\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🟢 Historic shrine provenance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🟢 Exceptional collector's piece\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🟢 Sourced from an Official Japanese Antique Auction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis museum-worthy artifact is ideal for collectors of Japanese architecture, shrine history, temple artifacts, or rare Meiji-era antiques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery good antique condition considering its age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original wooden box also shows age-related wear, while the handwritten document remains attached and remarkably well preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Information\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Japan\u003cbr\u003ePeriod: Meiji Era (late 19th–early 20th century)\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Traditional fired clay (Kawara)\u003cbr\u003eConstruction: Hand-cast architectural roof tile\u003cbr\u003eIncludes: Original wooden storage box\u003cbr\u003eDocumentation: Original handwritten historical record\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Japanese Antique Auction\u003cbr\u003eSuitable for collectors, museums, Japanese architecture collections, shrine history displays, and historical exhibitions\u003cbr\u003eAbout Japanese Kawara\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKawara 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📢 Important Shipping Policy Update\u003cbr\u003eTo ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.\u003cbr\u003eOrders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📦 Condition\u003cbr\u003ePlease review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Timeless Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59550457659678,"sku":"C440","price":498.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/3998\/6462\/files\/JapaneseMeijiEraKawaraRoofTilewithOriginalBox1.jpg?v=1783143407","url":"https:\/\/www.realtimelessvintage.com\/products\/japanese-meiji-era-kawara-roof-original-box-shrine-doc-signed","provider":"Real Timeless Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}