Cultural Folk Art Decorative Objects Appraisal

Japanese Hand-Painted Wooden Object (Nikoniko Import)

The item appears to be a segment of a wooden object, possibly a plaque, box, or a decorative panel, judging from the flat surface and visible edges. The wood has a warm, reddish-brown hue, suggesting a cherry, mahogany, or similar hardwood. Its surface is smooth with a visible wood grain, and there are several minor scratches and scuffs, indicating general wear from use or age. One notable feature is a circular paper label, predominantly purple or dark blue with white text, affixed to the surface. This label reads "Hand Painted NIKONIKO IMPORT" around the perimeter, with the letters "EW" in a stylized script within the center, and "JAPAN" at the bottom. This label explicitly indicates the item was hand-painted and imported from Japan by a company named Nikoniko, with "EW" likely being a model or series identifier, or perhaps an artist's or designer's mark. Another marking, also in dark blue or black pigment but less clearly discernible, appears to be a stamped "MADE IN JAPAN" mark, oriented vertically on the left side of the visible surface. This reinforces the origin. The edges of the wood show some darker staining or finish, and one corner visible in the image appears slightly rounded, either by design or from wear. There are no obvious signs of major damage like cracks or chips beyond surface scratches, suggesting relatively good condition for its presumed age. The presence of both 'Hand Painted' and 'Made in Japan' labels suggests it is likely a mid-20th-century import piece, possibly from the post-WWII era when Japanese imports became popular.