Japanese Hand-carved Cryptomeria Horny Toads vintage Chinese brass koi shaped locks 11" tall with a diameter

11" tall with a diameter of 3 1/2" across at opening and 4 3/8" across at base

would originally have used to cut pieces of Areca nut--commonly referred to as betel nut

I think it is both wonderfully specific and transcendentally good

and then there is a little wooden support glued to the backside keeps it upright

Japanese Hand-carved Cryptomeria Horny Toads vintage Chinese brass koi shaped locks 11" tall with a diameterThese Japanese hand carved cedar (Cryptomeria) horny toads are pretty amazing for the manner in which their carved forms brilliantly correspond to the patterns of the wood grain. Horny toads are believed to bring good luck, particularly to those traveling, so it makes perfect sense that in Japan there is a tradition of carrying one of these carvings in a pocket, to bring good fortune wherever one goes! I purchased three of these from a seller whose