Taisho Decorative Boxes
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Style: Taisho
Japanese Antique Wooden Box 1860s-1920s / Sofa Table Storage Box Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese wooden box, crafted in the Meiji to Taishō period (1860s–1920s). Despite its long history, it retains a quiet and compelling presence. The box is made from traditional sugi (Japanese cedar), whose soft grain and gentle texture reflect the depth and warmth of its age.
The form is strikingly minimal—its design is completely free of unnecessary elements. Although it is simply a box, the composition of clean lines and planes gives it a subtle tension and understated beauty. It carries the precision and warmth of handcraft, something that cannot be replicated by industrial production.
One particularly captivating feature is the visible trace of careful repairs made over many years. A knot hole on the side was thoughtfully patched with black washi paper, a practical repair that, over time, has become an expressive and almost artistic detail. In this small gesture, one can sense the quiet presence of Japanese aesthetic sensibilities.
The top and sides bear gentle wear and abrasion accumulated over decades. Rather than damage, these marks serve as a texture created by time, giving the piece its unique depth and character. The box possesses a humble yet powerful presence—a true embodiment of wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection and age.
The interior remains sturdy, offering ample storage capacity. It has been thoroughly cleaned, ensuring it can be used safely and comfortably. Its low, elongated proportions make it highly versatile: ideal as a low coffee table, a book table, a side table, or a display platform. Simply placing it in a modern interior instantly adds a sense of calm and visual depth.
A simple yet richly expressive antique wooden box...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Decorative Boxes
Materials
Cedar
1916 Japanese antique small box chest of drawers w/ Boro ribbon, wabi sabi tansu
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
108 years-old wooden small tansu (chest of drawers) with 4 drawers.
Product of Taisho 5 (1916), written on the bottom together with maker's address & name.
Finished with traditional Urushi lacquer. The original laquer remains well & gives a good wabi sabi touch.
Each handles are partly covered with Boro (hand-woven, indigo dyed cotton cloth) - this is another wabi sabi element of this tansu.
Smooth opening & closing operation for all drawers.
drawer inner w 5.79 in / d 12.6 in / h 1.38 in, 1.69 in, 2.28 in, 2.64 in (from the top)
actual item weight 5.95 lb (2.7 kg)
Dear customer - feel free to inquire me for the shipping fee quote.
The shipping fee showed in the page is automatically calculated by the system, I'm able to offer reasonable quote via Fedex.
***
We're eco-friendly, organic-oriented vintage wood furniture...
Category
1910s Japanese Vintage Taisho Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Black lacquered box with Japanese botanical design, urushi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This antique lacquerware box with a lid retains the elegance of the Taisho period.
It is characterized by the deep luster of the lacquer and the delicately painted floral pattern, m...
Category
Early 20th Century Taisho Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Taishō Period Red Lacquered Tiered Food Box with Black Calligraphy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Taisho period tiered food box from the early 20th century with red lacquer and calligraphy. Created in Japan during the early years of the 20th century, this red lacquered...
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Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Decorative Boxes
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Wood
Japanese Taishō Red Lacquered Hokai Box with Brass Accents and Original Rope
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Taisho period Hokai box from the early 20th century, with red lacquer, ornate brass accents and original rope. This vibrant Japanese Taisho period...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Decorative Boxes
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Brass
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Taisho decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Taisho decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Taisho decorative boxes made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $590 and tops out at $1,950 while the average work can sell for $1,500.
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