Edo furniture was created during a flourishing time for the decorative arts owing to the stability of the Tokugawa shogunate rule in Japan. Spanning from 1603 to 1867, this era of peace and economic growth supported artistic advancements in lacquer, woodblock printing, porcelain and other artisanal trades. Because the country was largely isolated, there was little outside influence, leading to centuries of exceptional attention to the design of its furnishings and the quality of its traditional arts.
Unlike during the Meiji period that followed, with an increase in domestic and international markets, furniture during the Edo period was predominately commissioned by the ruling class, although people from across social groups benefited from the burgeoning metropolitan hubs for artisanal trades. For instance, Kyoto became a major center for lacquer art. Most furniture pieces were made from wood such as cedar or ash, including the era’s sashimono cabinets, which involved fine joinery and were rooted in the Heian period.
Sashimono cabinets, which were built by master craftsmen in a range of different wood types owing to the various trees that populate Japan, occasionally featured a stack of slender drawers as well as sliding doors. They were popular with everyone from samurai to kabuki actors. Tansu storage chests crafted from wood with metal fittings were also common in Edo-period homes. Some were designed to be easily portable while others were made to double as staircases.
Painted folding screens, called byōbu, were also fashionable, with Japanese artists inspired by nature, literature and scenes of history and daily life to create vivid works. In Buddhist temples and the palatial homes of the aristocratic class, fusuma, or large sliding panels, would sometimes be adorned with gold or silver leaf. These dividers allowed interiors to change throughout the day, closing in small spaces for personal use or reflecting candlelight to illuminate communal spaces after dark.
Find a collection of Edo tables, lighting, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Japanese Antique Paper-Covered Low Writing Desk 1857s / Low Table Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a very old Japanese low writing desk covered with paper. Within its simple and restrained presence resides a quiet tension and spiritual depth that only furniture shaped by l...
Copper
19th C. Edo Money Chest Iron-Riveted " Zenibako"/ Trunk Table Pedestals Wabisabi
Located in 足利市, JP
A strikingly imposing 19th-century late Edo-period merchant’s security money chest (Zenibako), originating from the maritime merchant culture of the Niigata and Sado Island region a...
Iron
$900
H 23.82 in W 24.22 in D 12.6 in
Japanese Antique Black Box / Side Table Exhibition Stand / 1868-1912s/ Wabi-sabi
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old wooden storage box made in Japan. It is thought to date from around the Meiji period and is made of cedar. It has a simple design with no metal fittings. The overall m...
Wood, Cedar
$1,567Sale Price|30% Off
H 29.53 in Dm 17.33 in
19th Century French Pedestal Table in Veneered Wood Louis XV Style
Located in Sofia, BG
Elegant round pedestal table in veneered wood and bronze elements, arched legs joined by a crotch plate, built-in marble tray, Louis XV style. France, circa 1870. Measures: H 75, D...
Mahogany
Japanese Antique Low Table 1860s-1920s / Sofa Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a rare old Japanese wooden low table, believed to date from the late Meiji period to the Taisho period, circa 1860s to 1920s. The tabletop is made from a single solid slab o...
Wood
$1,100
H 11.54 in W 43.31 in D 22.25 in
Antique Japanese chestnut low table / 1868-1926 / Wabi-sabi coffee table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old low table thought to have been made in Japan around the Meiji to Taisho periods (1868-1926). The tabletop is made from a single solid board of chestnut wood. Judging f...
Hardwood, Chestnut
Japanese Low Table, Wabi-sabi, 1920s, Japan
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
The antique low table, that was crafted from old Japanese wood. The top panel has been roughly shaved and showcases various marks and scratches that tell a story of its history. It...
Wood
$1,800
H 9.06 in W 39.38 in D 24.81 in
Japanese Antique Brutalist Low Table 1900s-1940s / Side Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This low table boasts an impressive organic form, seemingly a direct reflection of natural shapes. The powerful wood grain, characteristic of a single slab, and the subtle black tex...
Wood
$2,100
H 10.44 in W 52.56 in D 53.55 in
Japanese Antique Wood Low Table , Primitive Low Table , Wabi Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique low table from the Taisho period. The table top is made of five pieces of Shurizakura wood with beautiful grain, and its rich expression captivates the viewer. In...
Wood
Japanese Antique low table, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
Low Circular Keyaki (Japanese Zelkova) Coffee Table with Curved Legs This antique circular table is a powerful embodiment of the natural vitality inherent in Keyaki (Japanese Zelkova...
Wood
Japanese wood table /wabi-sabi table / primitive table / stand
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This table is crafted by combining branches from aged, weathered wood with a newly fashioned tabletop. The tabletop features a finish reminiscent of traditional Japanese *urushi* (la...
Wood
Antique Teak Round Side Table, Wabi-Sabi Design
Located in New York, NY
Lovely patina and character on this beautiful antique side table or stool. Circa 1950. We have a small collection. The images and price reflect one. This antique side table or stool...
Wood, Teak
$3,638
H 14.97 in W 33.86 in D 35.44 in
Japanese Antique Brutalist Low Table 1900s-1940s / Side Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Japanese Brutalist Zelkova Low Table, Early Showa Period (circa 1900s–1940s) This Japanese primitive low table was created during the early Showa p...
Wood
$3,000
H 11.42 in W 71.86 in D 36.42 in
Japanese Antique Large Black Low Table / Center Table / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
A large Japanese antique low table dating from the Meiji period (1868–1912). The table features a broad rectangular wooden top with softly rounded corners, supported by a simple, lo...
Wood, Cedar
$682Sale Price|20% Off
H 6.7 in W 35.44 in D 10.24 in
Wabi Sabi Brutalist Design Low Display Side Table
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Wabi Sabi Brutalist Design Handcrafted Low Display Table. Made in Belgium by Atelier Andre Smalle, 1960's period. Stamped on the bottom. Solid oak slab on 4 square cone carved shaped...
Oak
Japanese Antique Low Table, Wabi Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique wooden low table from the Meiji period (1986-1912). The curved legs are beautiful. It was used as a workbench by craftsmen at the time. The material is high-qual...
Wood
Japanese Antique Paper-covered Box 1900s-1920s / Kakishibu
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old storage box covered in washi paper. It was made in the Meiji period (1900s-1920s). The old washi paper is painted with persimmon tannins. Painting with persimmon ...
Paper
Sold
H 9.85 in W 34.45 in D 9.06 in
Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Low Table Edo period 1800s-1860s / Side Table
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese low table, crafted during the Edo period (1800s–1860s). It is a rare piece of furniture that has survived through the centuries to the present day. Made of su...
Cedar
Antique Japanese Tansus on Custom Bases/Nightstands
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This listing is for two Japanese tansus with custom made metal stands. The piece on the left has two drawers and the piece on the right has a pair of sliding doors and five smaller d...
Iron
Scarce 17th Century Japanese Lacqueurware Ebonized Tray Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare 17th century ebonized Japanese lacquered tray with original gilt decoration, featuring trailing foliate vines and florals. The lacqueurware tr...
Lacquer
Sold
H 20.48 in W 19.69 in D 18.9 in
Japanese Old Tree Root Stand 1860s-1920s/Antique Object Natural Wood Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A display stand made of old Japanese natural wood. The age is unknown, but it is quite old. Over time, it weathers and remains beautiful. The shape is also interesting and beautif...
Wood
Sold
H 16 in W 16.5 in D 12.5 in
Japanese Mother of Pearl Inlaid Incense Stand, Edo Period, Early 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely Japanese lacquer and mother of pearl inlaid small side table, Edo Period, Ryukyu Islands or Okinawa, early 19th century. ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Softwood
Antique Japanese Lacquer Presentation Table
Located in Hudson, NY
Late Edo period (1614-1868) antique Japanese presentation table in dark brown lacquer with dark red details.
Lacquer
Pair of Antique Japanese Tansus with Custom Bases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of wood tansus that can be either stacked on top of each other as a chest of drawers or, separated on custom stands as nightstands or side tables. Old natural patina with some old worm wood...
Iron
Ornate Japanese Side Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
The growth of urban centers and spread of wealth during the Edo period in Japan ushered in an era that reveled in the aesthetic qualities of objects and actions in everyday life. This ornately carved...
Hardwood
19th Century Japanese Shop Tansu, Chest of Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century Japanese double stacked (two tansus) with drawers. Can be separated into two separate pieces, and used separately. All original hardware, and bamboo nails. This was an o...
Wood
Pair of 19th Century Low Japanese Tansus, Nightstands
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 19th century Japanese tansus on custom iron bases. Sold as a pair. All original hardware, bamboo nail. Functional drawers and door. Beautiful patina. Very functional as night...
Pair of Japanese 19th Century Tansus/Nightstands on Iron Bases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of tansus on custom iron bases. Both have two drawers each, all original hardware, bamboo nails. Very functional. Make a perfect pair of nightstands...
Wood
Pair of Tansu Nightstands
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 19th century Kiri wood, tansus on custom iron bases. Original hardware and bamboo nails. Two drawers each. Handsome patina.