Rice Paper Wallet with Ancient Asian Calligraphy

Antique Rice Paper Wallet with Asian Art and Calligraphy

Description:
This unique item appears to be a decorative or ceremonial Asian wallet or booklet, constructed from rice paper or a similarly delicate handmade material. The object features traditional East Asian artwork on both the exterior and interior surfaces. The interior artwork displays a narrative scene rendered in vibrant colors with classical figures dressed in Heian-period attire, reminiscent of 11th-century Japanese illustrated manuscripts or emaki (picture scrolls). The calligraphy resembles kana script, suggesting a strong Japanese origin.

Summary:

• Origin: Likely Japanese, possibly late Edo (1603–1868) or Meiji era (1868–1912) reproduction of older classical art and poetry, though some Chinese influence cannot be ruled out without further translation of the script.
• Material: Painted rice paper or mulberry-based handmade paper.
• Style: Emaki-inspired folding screen or wallet-style book illustration.
• Condition: Good, with some creasing and wear consistent with age.
• Dimensions: 8 3/4" wide × 8" tall × 2 cm thick
• Weight: 14.9 grams

Notable Features:

• Exterior Art: Features two figures—possibly a noblewoman and an attendant on one side, and a bowing male figure on the other—set against a twilight background, indicative of classical Japanese storytelling or Noh theater themes.
• Interior Panels: A richly detailed interior with six illustrated panels, each accompanied by flowing cursive calligraphy, likely waka poetry or narrative text.
• Color Palette: Traditional muted gold, black, red, and green tones.
• Historical Value: While this may not be a museum-grade original, it reflects high craftsmanship and historical storytelling motifs valued in Japanese decorative arts.

Estimated Current Market Value:

$150 – $300 USD, depending on verification of origin and age. Higher if determined to be Edo period or earlier, especially with documentation or scholarly authentication.

Recommendations:

• Professional Appraisal: To confirm its authenticity and historical period, consult with an appraiser who specializes in Asian antiquities or Japanese art, such as:
  • An accredited appraiser with the Appraisers Association of America
  • Asian art departments at auction houses like Bonhams, Christie’s, or Heritage Auctions
• Preservation: Store in an acid-free folder or archival display case away from light, heat, and humidity to preserve the fragile material.

The texture of the item is a very thick material almost like tree bark paper - but thicker yet very light to carry. The inside has a red divider using the same material that creates a slim double compartment. The characters on the outside of this item resemble the Mulan characters of the Mulan Movie of one woman with long black hair in what appears to be an ancient robe of Asia with a young female holding on to her knees in also a black ancient robe, while some 2-3 inches is man dressed in a long headdress with an orange robe seeding a distant garden. 

The interior is drafted with 8 slots illuminating random characters, while some are the same the others are not, the most intriguing part of the art is the ancient calligraphy used in ancient times by the Asians in the far east - A writing technique that has not been used in centuries. The interior colors are exaggerated with and orangish, yellowish appeal and strong hints of green and red, some black on a young, modeled male and an old man dressed in white.  While folded the item will stand at four inches tall, however when unfolded it will stretch to double its size at 8 inches in length and reveal the whole interior picture.