Antique Japanese Hand Carved Wooden Kashigata Cake Mold Lotus Root Renkon

This is an antique Japanese cake mold known as a Kashigata dating back to Edo period (c.1850). It is made of wild cherry wood that has been allowed to cure for over 5 years before carving. Carved in the shape of lotus root (renkon). It is a type of kashigata that was fully 3 dimensional. The lotus root was used extensively in Japanese cooking and is also a well known Buddhist symbol.

This two part kashigata measures 7 1/2" by 3 3/4" by 3" thick (19 x 9.5 x 7.5 cm). Having been well used yet well loved for nearly two centuries, this kashigata remains in good condition with a warm 180 year old rich patina.