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Old Japanese Wooden Stool / 20th Century / Polygonal Chair/MINGEI

$800
£604.13
€691.67
CA$1,129.81
A$1,233.48
CHF 646.66
MX$14,981.10
NOK 8,075.78
SEK 7,625.69
DKK 5,162.59

About the Item

This stool is crafted from vintage Japanese zelkova wood. Originally used as a mortar, the top was later cut horizontally and reworked to transform it into a practical stool. It's believed to date from the Taisho to early Showa era, reflecting both the lifestyle and culture of the time and the spirit of reuse that followed. The surface is varnished or urethane-based, giving it a lustrous sheen, while the rich, beautiful grain characteristic of zelkova peeks through in places. Natural cracks and traces of aging remain on the wood, showcasing the material's inherent strength and unique character. The seat is wide, measuring approximately 36-39cm in diameter, providing a stable and comfortable seating experience. Its solid weight of 15.15kg gives it a solid presence and a sense of security. Its primitive form is simple and powerful, blending exquisitely with modern minimalist spaces and industrial interiors. This style of repurposing old mortars into chairs became popular during the folk art boom of the 1960s. It's likely that this piece was born during that same period, and it possesses fascinating elements that evoke the historical context of that time. More than simply utilizing old wood, this stool, steeped in history as a household item, adds depth and charm to any space. It blends seamlessly with both Japanese and Western-style rooms, making it a wonderful piece to use as a flower stand or display stand. Size: Diameter 36.3-39cm x Height 35.2-36.7cm Weight: 15.15kg Product Number: CH059 [Our Social Role] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are a specialized team dealing in antiques and vintage items, comprised of stores based on three distinct brands. While focusing on Japanese items, we also offer a carefully curated selection of attractive goods from around the world—each evoking the culture and history of its country of origin. Unlike the traditional Japanese antique furniture and art that have been appreciated overseas until now, we shine a light on the tools and furniture that were used for many years in ordinary Japanese homes and farmhouses. These objects have gained a unique charm over time, their beauty deepened by the history accumulated through daily life. In today’s world, however, many of these precious items are discarded during home demolitions. We are committed to reassessing their value and passing them on to future generations. Drawing from our extensive experience—having seen tens of thousands of items through direct purchases, markets, and auction houses—we carefully select and present only the most captivating pieces. This is something made possible only through the years of knowledge and expertise we have cultivated. Rather than focusing on the widely known facets of Japanese art and culture, we highlight the subtle beauty born from the everyday life of common people. It is this rediscovered beauty, steeped in history, that we strive to share with the world.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14.45 in (36.7 cm)Width: 15.36 in (39 cm)Depth: 14.3 in (36.3 cm)
  • Style:
    Showa (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Wood,Hand-Carved,Woodwork
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    20th century
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Sammu-shi, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5487246630662

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