Japanese validate day-to-day documents and official forms with hanko, unique personal seals made from wood and other materials. These stamps carry the same weight as signatures do in other countries, they are engraved with the name of the person or organisation. 

Generally round or square in shape, they are wet on red pads of ink called shuniku and pressed onto documents to leave marks known as inkan. 

In Japanese offices personal stamps verify who has viewed in-office announcements and other documents, while managers use their hanko to “sign off” on proposals and authorise documents through levels of hierarchy.

People commonly have three types of hanko: an officially registered seal or jitsuin, a ginkōin for standard bank transactions, and a mitomein for day-to-day use.

Much faster than signatures the use of personal seals date back more than 600 years.

We are pleased to offer a genuine vintage sales display with glazed doors containing more than 650 individual wooden Hanko.

The skill involved in hand carving these individual designs is incredible, it is fascinating to study the intricate designs at close quarters.

A very rare opportunity.

£365.00

Postage can be arranged on this item at separate cost.

Please note the missing contents panel sections on two sides.