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Japanese antique wooden low table/late 19th century/writing desk/fu-du-ku-e

$1,000List Price

About the Item

This low wooden table was crafted in Japan between the late Edo period and the Meiji era, and it embodies the essence of wabi-sabi. Known as a bundzuke or writing table, this traditional form was used in home study areas, temple schools (terakoya), and merchant shops, making it a culturally and historically significant piece. Due to its daily use, the tabletop shows numerous signs of wear. Over time, soot and oil smoke have darkened the entire surface, giving it a deep ink-black tone that reflects years of use. This rich patina is something only time can create—an aesthetic that simply cannot be replicated by new furniture. The wood’s texture and dark hue bring a sense of calm and stillness to a space, truly evoking the spirit of wabi-sabi. The surface bears small scratches and marks typical of regular use, and there is a natural crack in the wood, which adds to the piece’s character. (The crack is stable and will not worsen.) These traces of everyday life give the table a unique, lived-in personality. On the underside, you’ll also find a branded mark, likely indicating the name of the original shop where this table was used—most likely read as "Yamazen." Measuring 89.7 cm wide, 30.9 cm deep, and 25 cm high, the size is highly practical. It fits seamlessly into modern interiors and works especially well in Japanese-style or nature-inspired spaces. With its quiet elegance and subtle presence, this low table serves as a refined accent in any room. While our shop often features similar items, pieces like this are actually becoming increasingly rare in Japan. Their value and scarcity continue to grow. We hope this table can be cherished and passed down to the next generation. As an object that so perfectly expresses the spirit of wabi-sabi, few items can compare. We hope you will fully enjoy the profound beauty that has developed through the passage of time. Weight: 3.8 kg Item number: ta121

Dimensions:
Height: 9.85 in (25 cm)Width: 35.32 in (89.7 cm)Depth: 12.17 in (30.9 cm)
Style:
Meiji (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Beech,Woodwork
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1850-1900
Condition:
Seller Location:
Sammu-shi, JP
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5487245616432

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