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Japanese Antique Small Drawer Chest 1860s-1900s / Nightstand Wabisabi
About the Item
This is a small antique Japanese chest of drawers. Quietly understated yet unmistakably present, it has a simple and powerful character that brings depth to any space.
It is believed to have been crafted in the Meiji period (1860s–1900s). Having been preserved and used over many years, this piece transcends its role as mere storage, carrying with it the memory of its time. Made of cedar wood, it offers a light yet warm texture. The iron handles provide a subtle but effective accent, gently tightening the overall composition.
The surface is finished in red lacquer, which has naturally worn and faded over time. Areas of peeling and abrasion create a richly layered appearance that cannot be artificially reproduced, evoking a slightly melancholic and poetic atmosphere. The darkened tones and variations in color that have emerged through use reflect the quiet accumulation of time.
The design is extremely simple, stripped of all unnecessary ornamentation. This purity reflects the aesthetic sensibility of traditional Japanese folk objects, where material and function are elevated into beauty. Signs of careful repairs and long-term use can be found throughout, quietly telling the story of the hands and time that have shaped it.
All drawers have been adjusted to open and close smoothly, ensuring practical usability. Inside, there are traces of past writing, with ink stains remaining as part of its history; however, the piece has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, including careful washing, and is delivered in a clean and ready-to-use condition.
This piece strongly embodies the spirit of wabi-sabi—the acceptance of time and the discovery of beauty within it. Its stripped-down presence, where only the essential remains, resonates quietly within modern spaces, bringing a sense of depth and calm.
It will be carefully packed and safely shipped from Japan.
Weight: 6 kg
- Dimensions:Height: 11.03 in (28 cm)Width: 21.46 in (54.5 cm)Depth: 13.39 in (34 cm)
- Style:Meiji (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1860s-1900s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chōsei District Nagara, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10403249803482
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Chōsei District Nagara, Japan
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