Vintage Circa 1950 Japanese Celluloid Agricultural Water Wheel Diorama Scene Figurine (Showa Period)

Up for sale is a Vintage Circa 1950 Japanese Celluloid Agricultural Water Wheel Diorama Scene Figurine (Showa Period)! It measures 6 1/4” tall at its tallest point and 5” in diameter at its widest point at the base. The piece is in excellent overall condition with minor signs of wear consistent with its age and use. Please message us if you have any questions. Thanks!

This vintage Japanese celluloid diorama figurine represents an exceptionally detailed and beautifully preserved artifact of mid-century Asian export art, crafted circa 1950 during the vibrant Shōwa Era. The intricate composition depicts a classic, idealized agricultural scene from rural Japan, highlighting two beautifully molded workers collaborating around a traditional wooden-style water wheel irrigation system. One farmer stands poised atop a high ladder framework, leaning over the handrail as if actively treading and turning the stacked wheel paddles, while the second figure stands on a rocky outcrop below, balancing a traditional carrying yoke across their shoulders to transport matching water buckets. The highly complex construction includes a functioning, moveable water wheel that smoothly spins on its central axle, a detailed trough chute, and a heavily textured, sculpted base expertly detailed to simulate ground and wild grass. Meticulously hand-painted with deep brown, sepia, and rich ochre shaded accents to flawlessly mimic the appearance, grain, and warmth of a premium carved antique ivory or bone okimono, the hollow-cast celluloid composition exhibits the classic visible side seams and lightweight material qualities characteristic of fine mid-century Japanese novelty engineering. This charming piece of post-war Japanese folk art serves as an exceptional, highly displayable addition to advanced collections of vintage Asian miniatures, occupational figurines, and historical celluloid novelties.

♦️$12.00 flat rate shipping to all of the United States (Combined, international, and freight shipping as well as local pickup available upon request!)