Three Japanese Hand-made Woodblock Pochibukuro or Money Envelopes, early 20th century

Three hand-made woodblock pochibukuro in traditional Japanese designs. These had been preserved in a book so the colours of these small artworks are still vivid and bright. Mounted in vintage period frames.

Pochibukuro were created to conceal money traditionally given as tips for services rendered. The tradition stems from the Edo period practice of giving gratuities to kabuki actors, geisha and courtesans, but inn owners or tradesmen who provided services small monetary gifts as well. Decorum dictated that these offerings were to be made discreetly with the sum carefully concealed, so as not to embarrass either party. Today, this tradition continues, largely in the practice of giving small sums of money at celebratory events and to children at the New Year. Because of the nature of these envelopes, not many of these older ones survive.