antique wood gears from silk industry - industrial display stand for rustic decor

Love Japanese Style Like We Do

Add a touch of history and rustic charm to your home with these exquisite handcrafted wooden gears, salvaged from the rich tradition of Japan's silk industry. Perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of industrial antiques, these cogs will transform any space into a timeless display.

These gears were once part of a Zakuri, a wooden hand-operated silk reel used to wind raw silk from silkworms into delicate threads. Made with skillful precision, the hand-carved gears were essential to the operation of these machines, which were produced in large numbers during the Edo period (1603-1867). The rise of cottage industry silk production in Japan led to the widespread use of these wooden wonders.

Now retired from their original purpose, these old cogs serve as stunning display stands for your favorite ornaments, vases, or decor pieces. Their rustic elegance and rich history make them a must-have for collectors, enthusiasts of industrial decor, and anyone who loves unique, culturally rich artifacts. The gears are in good antique condition. One spur is missing on the largest one.

Whether you're drawn to the intricate craftsmanship or the fascinating history behind these pieces, these gears are a beautiful reminder of Japan’s silk-making heritage. Bring a piece of Japanese mingei folk craft into your home and celebrate the past with this charming, functional work of art.

(listing for set of three wood gears)

- measures 17.5 cm (6.9”), 9 cm (3.5”) and 5 cm (2.4”) in diameter.
- weighs 460 gm.

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in our shipping policy.
- we use recycle packaging and wrap for safety, rather than appearance.

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

MINGEI
Mingei are the tools and utensils that were used daily by the common people in Japan. They were inexpensive, simple and functional. Usually produced by hand, in large quantities, their artists were anonymous. They became representative of the local area where they were produced.

The word Mingei combines “min” meaning common people and “gei” meaning art - the art of the common people. It was coined by the Japanese philosopher  Sōetsu Yanagi. He found beauty in ordinary crafts for daily use and argued that true beauty could be found only in the objects made by unknown people, in a spirit of selfless innocence and in close harmony with nature.