🖤 A wonderful vintage Korean 23-column abacus, or jupan (주판), with a sleek black frame, warm brown beads and a wonderfully graphic retro look.
This one is especially interesting because it still has its original Korean maker markings and label.
The center is marked 한국산기(주), identifying the manufacturer as Korea/Hanguk Sangi Co., Ltd., and the original label includes 23자리, meaning 23 places or columns, together with 우주주판, which reads “Wooju Jupan” or “Wooju Abacus.” The label also has the model-style marking Da-3 and an SK emblem.
📜 A little history
The abacus is one of the world's classic calculating tools. Numbers are represented by physically moving beads along a series of rods, making it possible to perform arithmetic without an electronic calculator.
This Korean example has one bead above the center bar and four below on each column.
The upper bead has a value of 5 and each lower bead has a value of 1.
Only the beads moved toward the center bar are counted. Each successive column represents a different place value — ones, tens, hundreds and so on — allowing an experienced user to perform addition, subtraction and much more.
Abacus training was once a familiar part of Korean education and commercial life. Historical Korean sources specifically mention 23-column abaci manufactured by Korea Sangi during the 1980s, when abacus classes and competitions were still widespread.
This example most likely dates from the 1980s to early/mid-1990s.
🤎 It is also a really nice object simply to look at. The warm brown diamond-shaped beads against the slim black frame have a strong geometric quality that works beautifully with vintage, retro, minimalist and eclectic interiors.
-- Display it on a desk, bookshelf or office shelf,
--- add it to a collection of vintage school or mathematical objects,
---- or use it as an interesting conversation piece in a study or classroom.
It can also be a fun hands-on way to introduce children to numbers, place value and basic arithmetic with adult guidance.
🤎 Material - Plastic and metal
📐 Dimensions
Length: 12 7/8 in (32.7 cm)
Width: 2 5/8 in (6.7 cm)
Depth: 3/4 in (1.9 cm)
✔️ Condition
Very good vintage condition with only light signs of previous use.
There are some very faint surface scratches and small handling marks, particularly on the black plastic areas, consistent with age and normal use. Please check the photos closely, including the close-up photographs of the frame and original labels, as they form an important part of the description.
The black and warm brown color combination remains very attractive, and the original Korean markings add a wonderful bit of history to the piece.
📦We ship fast—usually the same day or within 2 business days!
Questions? Ask me.
🛒Visit my shop: https://vintagebyfatima.etsy.com
Follow me on Instagram @vintagebyfatima
♻️
Shipping from Canada
Processing time
1-2 business days
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
Returns & exchanges accepted within 30 days
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
I gladly accept cancellations
Request a cancellation within: 4 hours of purchase
Privacy policy
Last updated: July 2025
Welcome to Vintage by Fatima! Your privacy matters to me. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, share, and protect your personal information when you visit my Etsy shop (Vintage by Fatima) or make a purchase. By browsing or purchasing, you agree to this policy.
1. Information I Collect
a. Information You Provide Directly
Contact details: name, billing/shipping address, email, phone number.
Payment details: processed securely by Etsy Payments—Vintage by Fatima does not store your full credit card number.
Messages & feedback: any messages you send via Etsy Conversations.
b. Information Collected Automatically
Device & usage data: browser type, IP address, device identifiers, pages viewed, referral URLs, search terms.
Cookies & similar technologies: to remember you, keep you logged in, analyze traffic, and personalize your experience.
2. How I Use Your Information
I use your information to:
Process orders & provide customer service: fulfill, ship, and track your purchases; respond to your questions.
Communicate with you: send order confirmations, shipping updates, and occasional shop announcements.
Improve and personalize: understand shop performance, personalize listings, and enhance your shopping experience.
Marketing (optional): with your consent, send you newsletters, promotions, or discount codes. You can unsubscribe at any time.
3. How I Share Your Information
I only share your information when necessary to:
Etsy and service providers: for payment processing, shipping, fraud prevention, and hosting.
Legal obligations: comply with laws, protect rights, or respond to legal requests.
I will never sell your personal data to third-party advertisers.
4. Data Retention
Order & transaction records: kept for at least 4 years to comply with tax and accounting requirements.
Marketing lists: kept until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
5. Cookies & Tracking
Etsy and I use cookies and similar technologies to:
Authenticate you when you log in.
Remember your preferences and cart between visits.
Analyze traffic with Etsy’s analytics and third-party services (e.g. Google Analytics).
You can control cookies in your browser settings, but disabling them may limit shop functionality.
6. Your Rights & Choices
Access & correction: you can review and update most of your personal data through your Etsy account.
Unsubscribe from marketing: click “unsubscribe” in any newsletter or email.
Delete your data: contact me (see below) to request deletion of your personal information; note that I may keep minimal records to comply with legal obligations.
Privacy settings on Etsy: you can adjust your account settings to limit data collection.
7. Security
I take reasonable steps to protect your information. All payments go through Etsy’s secure platform. However, no system is 100% secure—please use unique passwords and keep your login credentials confidential.
8. Children
My shop is intended for adults. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years old. If you believe I have inadvertently done so, please contact me to request deletion.
9. Changes to This Policy
I may update this policy occasionally to reflect changes in law or Etsy requirements. The “Last updated” date at the top will indicate when it was revised. Continued use of the shop after updates constitutes acceptance of the new policy.
10. Contact Me
If you have questions or concerns about your privacy, please reach out via Etsy Conversations or email me at fatima@vintagebyfatima.com I’m here to help!
Thank you for supporting Vintage by Fatima and trusting me with your information. I’m committed to keeping your data safe and your shopping experience delightful.