Description
This is a beautiful, vintage 1920s Japanese bowl-back mandolin crafted in the Art Nouveau / Romantic style, heavily inspired by the great Italian luthier Raffaele Calace.
Calace traveled to Japan in 1924, where he taught a small group of Japanese mandolin makers—leaving behind a strong design and construction legacy. This instrument likely dates from shortly after that period (late 1920s to early 1930s), based on stylistic cues, build quality, and materials.
Playability & Condition:
The mandolin has been lovingly restored and remains very playable:
- Top crack professionally repaired and fully stabilized
- Lacquer finish checking and wear on the top (expected for a 100-year-old instrument)
- Neck is straight, and action is comfortable
- Fingerboard shows minor wear consistent with age
- Frets are in very good condition
- Lacquer has been touched up and restored in key areas – notably the neck
- The top under the bridge is flat with no signs of dip or warping
All major hardware is original, including the tuners, saddle, and bridge.
Features & Appointments:
- 22-rib bowl-back design with tight staves
- 22-fret neck with dot inlays
- Abalone and mother-of-pearl inlaid soundhole rosette
- Carved pickguard with ornate floral motif
- Raised relief carved bottom bout
- Original open-gear tuners
- Original saddle and bridge
- Overall length: 24″
This mandolin has been carefully preserved and restored, maintaining both its character and playability. It is ideal for classical mandolinists, collectors of romantic-period instruments, or anyone seeking an expressive and historic instrument with soul.
Ships fully insured and packed with care. International buyers welcome—please message for a quote.
