Preliminary identification

Mid-Century Japanese Wood Marquetry Panel, 'Woman with Cranes'

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

A sophisticated example of 'Zougan' (wood inlay) art, featuring a stylized woman surrounded by seven red-crowned cranes.

Story

Following the end of WWII, Japanese artisans began blending their ancient woodworking traditions with the sleek, graphic sensibilities of the Mid-Century Modern movement to appeal to a global audience.

Maker / Origin

While this piece is likely the product of a high-end workshop rather than a single named artist, it represents the pinnacle of the Hakone-Zougan tradition.

Condition & Value

The panel appears to be in excellent condition, preserved behind glass which has prevented the wood veneers from drying out or lifting. The colors remain remarkably crisp, suggesting it has been kept out of direct sunlight. Excellent preservation of the delicate 'red' veneers adds significantly to its appeal.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD