Diarama

Japanese Miniature Diorama, circa 1920–1935

A handcrafted Japanese genre diorama from the interwar period. The composition depicts an everyday scene with bridges, boats, structures, human figures and birds. Made using wood, bamboo, wire and hand-painted composite miniature figures.

Condition is consistent with age and the fragile nature of the piece; some small elements may show losses or damage, while the main scene and architectural components remain intact.

📦 BOXES 

The set includes authentic Japanese period boxes from the 1920s–30s, used for retail or storage purposes. The boxes were not manufactured specifically for this diorama, but are genuine items of the period.

Text on the yellow box (verbatim):

• KAZURA-BLACK
• 染髪補益 — “hair dyeing / beneficial effect”
• 商標登録 — “registered trademark”
• かづらブラック — “Kadzura Black”
• ヘアブラック — “Hair Black”
• 大小二種あり — “two sizes available: large and small”
• 発売元 大阪 藤村商店 — “Distributor: Fujimura Shōten, Osaka”

Additional Japanese cardboard boxes with printed period text are also included.

🏷️ LABELS ON THE DIORAMA 

Small paper labels with red borders and black ink are attached to some elements of the diorama.

These are inventory / assembly labels, used for numbering and handling.

Example:

• 十ニ — “12”

The labels are not decorative and do not identify the scene or the maker.