Vintage Japanese 9-Rod Soroban Abacus – 2/5 Beads, Wood & Brass

A compact vintage Japanese soroban abacus featuring nine columns of orange-toned wooden beads, a black-painted wooden frame, and brass corner fittings.

Each column contains two upper beads and five lower beads, preserving an older Japanese soroban configuration that preceded the simplified arrangement used in modern Japanese abacuses.

Construction details include faceted wooden beads, wooden rods, pinned brass corner straps, and an incised JAPAN export mark. The reverse features simple nailed wooden construction.

The 2/5 configuration was common during Japan's Edo period, although it continued to appear on later instruments. This example's export marking and construction suggest a later production period rather than establishing an Edo-period date.

An appealing piece of calculating-tool history for collectors of vintage educational materials, Japanese objects, and mathematical instruments.

Condition: Vintage, with age-related wear to the painted wooden surfaces and metal fittings. Exact production date and maker are unknown. Please examine photographs for details.

Nine columns, with two upper and five lower beads per column.

Sold individually, as photographed.