What is a Japanese desk called?

What a Japanese desk is called depends on its style. A chabudai is a short work desk that rests on folding legs, making it easy to transport. Zens are another type of portable desk that resembles a tray. People commonly use them both for dining and work. Another type of desk is the kotatsu. This desk features a frame that rests over a heater and has a soft cloth cover. A tabletop sits on top of the kotatsu, providing a surface for writing, reading and using a laptop computer. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Japanese desks.

What are antique desks called?

What antique desks are called depends on their design. A desk with chair cutouts on both sides is a partner desk, while one with a pull-down writing surface is a secretary. On a Davenport desk, the desktop lifts to reveal a storage area. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary desks on 1stDibs.

What is an antique Davenport desk?

An antique Davenport desk is a small writing desk, usually with four drawers on one side. The desk would have elaborately decorated supports and a recessed space for adequate legroom. Shop a collection of Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How can I tell if my Japanese pottery is antique?

To tell if your Japanese pottery is antique, look for markings, which usually appear on the bottoms of pieces. If you see the word "Nippon," your piece was likely produced between 1891 and 1921, making it an antique. Pieces marked with the words "made in occupied Japan" originated between 1945 and 1952 and are vintage, based on their age. A "made in Japan" marking may indicate a vintage or contemporary piece. If you don't see any of these markings, consult trusted online resources to get a rough idea of when your pottery was produced. Any piece that dates back 100 years or more is antique. Should you encounter difficulty with the dating process, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Japanese pottery.

How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?

To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.

How do I know if my antique roll top desk?

A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.

How much is my antique secretary desk worth?

An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.

Antique Japanese Desk

Japanese Carved Table And Chairs

Japanned Bureau

Wabi Sabi Desk

Chinoiserie Writing Desk

Japanese Bureau

Inkwell Japan

Japanese Chinoiserie

Japanned English Furniture

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Chestnut

Japanese Antique Fuzukue Low Table, Taisho Era 1912-1926 , Wabi Sabi

$800

Japanese Antique Low Table"Fuzukue", Meiji Era 1868-1912 , Wabi Sabi

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

suit that lifestyle. These low desks are known as fuzukue (traditional Japanese writing desks), and

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Low Table"Fuzukue", Meiji Era 1868-1912 , Wabi Sabi

$800

Japanese Antique Low Table"Fuzukue", Taisho Era 1912-1926 , Wabi Sabi

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

piece. Known as a 'fuzukue,' an old-style Japanese writing desk, it was traditionally used by people

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Low Table"Fuzukue", Taisho Era 1912-1926 , Wabi Sabi

$900

Japanese Antique, Cocktail table/Low table, Taisho Era Early 1900s , Wabi Sabi

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

Japanese writing desk has a distinctive turned leg design. The top is made of a single piece of chestnut

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood, Chestnut

Japanese Antique, Cocktail table/Low table, Taisho Era Early 1900s , Wabi Sabi

$1,100

Old wooden Low Table with Japanese Paper / Antique Coffee Table / Wabi-Sabi Art

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

can imitate. Introducing a very rare Japanese small desk. I think the era of this item was from

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Cedar

Old wooden Low Table with Japanese Paper / Antique Coffee Table / Wabi-Sabi Art

$1,200

JAPAN 1880 Meiji Signed Okimono Sculpture Of ONI Demon Holding Basket With Fish

Located in Miami, FL

addition for your desk, your Japanese antiques collection, or your bijouterie cabinet. Oni In Japanese

Category

1880s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Glass

JAPAN 1880 Meiji Signed Okimono Sculpture Of ONI Demon Holding Basket With Fish

$2,750

English 19th Century Japanned Desk with Black and Gold Chinoiserie Décor

Located in Atlanta, GA

An English japanned kneehole desk from the 19th century with black and gold Chinoiserie décor

Category

19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood

English 19th Century Japanned Desk with Black and Gold Chinoiserie Décor

$10,800

Old Japanese Desk Edo Period 1700s-1800s Zelkova Antique Table or Low Table

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

A desk made in the middle to late Edo period in Japan. In old Japan, people used to sit on the

Category

18th Century Japanese Edo Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Other

Old Japanese Desk Edo Period 1700s-1800s Zelkova Antique Table or Low Table

$2,000

Japanese Antique Writing Desk, Low table Meiji Era 1868-1912 , Wabi Sabi

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

This antique writing desk was crafted in the Meiji Era (1868-1912). This is an ancient Japanese

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Writing Desk, Low table Meiji Era 1868-1912 , Wabi Sabi

$700

Japanese Antique Desk, Early Showa Period 1926-

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

This antique desk, crafted in the Early Showa period of Japan.(1926-) Explore our Japanese Antique

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Desk, Early Showa Period 1926-

$1,200

Japanese Antique Desk 1937s Rustic Japandi

Located in Chiba, Chiba

This is an old Japanese desk. It was made in 1937. The thick top plate gives it a solid feel. The

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Desk 1937s Rustic Japandi

$1,760

Japanese Antique, Desk, Early Showa Period 1926- , Wabi Sabi

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

This is a Japanese antique flat desk. It was made in the Showa period. Introducing this desk

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique, Desk, Early Showa Period 1926- , Wabi Sabi

$900

Japanese Antique, Desk, Early Showa Period 1926- , Wabi Sabi

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

This captivating antique desk, crafted in the Showa era of Japan.(1926-) features a top made of

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique, Desk, Early Showa Period 1926- , Wabi Sabi

$900

Japanese Antique, Desk, Writing Tables, Taisho period (1912-1926 CE)

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

from Japan's Taisho period (1912-1926 CE), serves as both a desk and a table. is a rarity in Japanese

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Chestnut, Oak

Japanese Antique, Desk, Writing Tables, Taisho period (1912-1926 CE)

$1,700

Edward William Godwin for William Watt, An Anglo-Japanese Walnut Desk.

By William Watt, Edward William Godwin

Located in London, GB

Edward William Godwin (1833-1886) for William Watt, an Anglo-Japanese walnut desk, with a leather

Category

Late 19th Century English Anglo-Japanese Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Walnut

Edward William Godwin for William Watt, An Anglo-Japanese Walnut Desk.

$52,076

Japanese antique long desk / table , very rare, Taisho period（1920 s ）Wabi-Sabi

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

This product is a very old Japanese long desk, blending distinctive design with functional beauty

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Cedar

Japanese antique long desk / table , very rare, Taisho period（1920 s ）Wabi-Sabi

$2,500

George III Red Japanned Slant Lid Desk

Located in Essex, MA

With later decoration with hinged slant lid and fitted interior, drawer below and square section legs.

Category

1780s English George III Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Pine

George III Red Japanned Slant Lid Desk

$4,850

Exquisite Antique French Art Nouveau Writing Desk 1895 Japanese Ash Jugendstil

Located in Ijzendijke, NL

Simply exquisite antique French writing desk in the Art Nouveau design style made in 1895. A

Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Bronze

Exquisite Antique French Art Nouveau Writing Desk 1895 Japanese Ash Jugendstil

$13,462

Early Chinoiserie Japanned Leather Top Desk and Chair Set - Nichols and Stone

By Nichols Stone

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A beautiful japanned Nichols & Stone chinoiserie desk and matching chair set. The desk itself is

Category

Early 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Metal

Early Chinoiserie Japanned Leather Top Desk and Chair Set - Nichols and Stone

$2,000

E. W. Godwin, Attr, . An Anglo-Japanese Four Drawer Writing Table

By Edward William Godwin

Located in London, GB

E. W. Godwin, Attr An Anglo-Japanese four drawer writing table. The front legs are identical to

Category

Late 19th Century English Anglo-Japanese Antique Japanese Desk

E. W. Godwin, Attr, . An Anglo-Japanese Four Drawer Writing Table

$10,278

Late 19th Century Pierce Carved Solid Mahogany Desk or Writing Table

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Cherub looking creatures with wing motive solid mahogany Japanese writing table or desk standing on

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Mahogany

Late 19th Century Pierce Carved Solid Mahogany Desk or Writing Table

$8,600

Bamboo Chinese Pedestal Desk with Ebonized Top and Drawers, circa 1930

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

A charming and beautiful writing desk in bamboo with open lattice work on pedestals, ebonized top

Category

1920s Chinese Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Bamboo Chinese Pedestal Desk with Ebonized Top and Drawers, circa 1930

$5,750

19th Century Japanese Mixed Metals Letter Opener, circa 1890

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Antique 19th century mixed metals letter opener, Japanese, circa 1890. The letter opener with

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Desk

19th Century Japanese Mixed Metals Letter Opener, circa 1890

$595

George II Style Parcel-Gilt Black Japanned Writing Table, 19th Century

Located in Southampton, NY

George II style parcel-gilt black japanned writing table, 19th century Black and gold chinoiserie

Category

19th Century English George II Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Lacquer

George II Style Parcel-Gilt Black Japanned Writing Table, 19th Century

$4,800

Chinoiserie or Japanned Louis XVI Style Inkwell

Located in Nashville, TN

With bronze and porcelain mounts, maintaining original porcelain liner. Rubbing and loss to the gilded decoration on the lacquer. Wear and patina to the bronze lid. Glue residue. Old...

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Bronze

Chinoiserie or Japanned Louis XVI Style Inkwell

$450

Late 19th Century Group of Japanned Papier-mâché Crumb Trays

Located in London, GB

An assortment of 19th century German papier-mâché black and gilt japanned crumb trays. The

Category

Late 19th Century German Chinoiserie Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Metal

Late 19th Century Group of Japanned Papier-mâché Crumb Trays

$712

19th Century Regency Ebonized Chinoiserie Writing Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

Charming 19th century English Regency style bow front writing table or desk in black lacquer with

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Brass

19th Century Regency Ebonized Chinoiserie Writing Table

$2,800

Antique Awaji Pottery Bronze Wrapped Brush Pot Pencil Jar

By Awaji Pottery

Located in Wilton, CT

Awaji Pottery jar in simple, organic form with light green monochrome crackle glaze and wrapped with bronze wire in decorative pattern, circa 1910. Impressed export and studio mark o...

Category

1910s Japanese Arts and Crafts Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Pottery

Antique Awaji Pottery Bronze Wrapped Brush Pot Pencil Jar

$495

Japanese Antique Old Table Desk Keyaki Wood Primitive

Located in Chiba, Chiba

This is a small table from the Taisho period. The understated design is simple and cute. It has one drawer. The material is zelkova wood. The wood grain of the top plate is beaut...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Old Table Desk Keyaki Wood Primitive

$500

Vintage Japanese Lacquer Wood Travel Desk, Early 20th Century

Located in Roma, IT

Japanese lacquer wood travel desk is an original artwork realized in Japan in the first half of the

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood

Vintage Japanese Lacquer Wood Travel Desk, Early 20th Century

$1,188

Japanese antique, black low desk/fuzukue, Meiji era , Wabisabi

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

This is a Japanese antique called a 'fuzukue,' which is an old-style Japanese writing desk

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Cedar, Pine

Japanese antique, black low desk/fuzukue, Meiji era , Wabisabi

$520

George III Japanned Slant Lid Desk

Located in Essex, MA

Rectangular top with rectangular slant lid with fitted desk interior over two small drawers above

Category

18th Century British George III Antique Japanese Desk

George III Japanned Slant Lid Desk

$6,500

Late Meiji Period Japanese Export Lacquer Bamboo Desk, circa 1900s

Located in Brea, CA

Late Meiji Period, circa 1900-1915, Japanese export lacquer and gilt Davenport desk, the entire

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Bamboo

Late Meiji Period Japanese Export Lacquer Bamboo Desk, circa 1900s

$1,880

Antique Jewelry Box, Japanese, Leather, Desk Caddy, Meiji Period, circa 1900

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique jewelry box. A Japanese, leather bound desk caddy, dating to the Meiji period in

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Leather

Antique Jewelry Box, Japanese, Leather, Desk Caddy, Meiji Period, circa 1900

$1,699

Japanese Antique Black Wooden Drawer / Small Low Desk / 1868-1920 / Chest

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is a wooden drawer made in Japan around the Meiji and Taisho periods (1868-1920). It would

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Black Wooden Drawer / Small Low Desk / 1868-1920 / Chest

$900

Japanese Antique Low Table / 1875 Meiji Old Desk / Coffee Table / Sofa Table

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

ancient times, Japanese people have been sitting in tatami rooms to eat and study, so such desks (tables

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Low Table / 1875 Meiji Old Desk / Coffee Table / Sofa Table

$1,500

Japanese Old Low Table 1860-1920s/Antique Desk Sofa Table Coffee Table Wabisabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This desk was made in Japan from the latter half of the Edo period to the Meiji period. In old

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Chestnut

Japanese Old Low Table 1860-1920s/Antique Desk Sofa Table Coffee Table Wabisabi

$1,500

Old Japanese simple Desk "1868-1912" Meiji Period Antique Table or Low Table

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

imitate. This desk was made in the latter half of the Meiji period (1868 to 1912) in Japan. In old Japan

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Cedar

Old Japanese simple Desk "1868-1912" Meiji Period Antique Table or Low Table

$1,500

1860s Edo Japanese antique wabi sabi low writing desk primitive coffee table

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

From Tohoku area, Japan. This antique low writing desk is a product of late Edo era. estimate from

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood, Cypress

1860s Edo Japanese antique wabi sabi low writing desk primitive coffee table

$1,210

Japanese Meiji Period Carved and Gilt Lacquer Writing Box or Lap Desk

Located in Milford, NH

An excellent quality Japanese Meiji period carved wooden writing box or lap desk with

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Silk, Wood, Lacquer

Japanese Meiji Period Carved and Gilt Lacquer Writing Box or Lap Desk

$1,850

JAPANESE 1900 Meiji Period Rare Namiki Desk Rectangular Box In Gilt Metal Wood

Located in Miami, FL

Namiki & Maki-e desk-box from the Japanese Meiji period. This is a beautiful decorative

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Gold, Silver

JAPANESE 1900 Meiji Period Rare Namiki Desk Rectangular Box In Gilt Metal Wood

$2,998

1860s Edo Japanese antique wabi sabi urushi low writing desk primitive tea table

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

156 to 159 years-old antique low writing desk with 2 drawers. product of Keio period (1865-1868

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood

1860s Edo Japanese antique wabi sabi urushi low writing desk primitive tea table

$1,400

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

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This low wooden table was crafted in Japan between the late Edo period and the Meiji era, and it

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Beech

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

$1,000

18th Edo Japanese antique wabi sabi low writing desk from Nikko To-sho-gu Shrine

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

himself, the founder of Tokugawa Edo Shogunate. This low writing desk had been used at Nikko Toshogu's

Category

Late 18th Century Japanese Edo Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

18th Edo Japanese antique wabi sabi low writing desk from Nikko To-sho-gu Shrine

$1,630

Gorgeous Antique Hand Painted and Caned Japanned Side or Desk Chair

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Wonderful Japanned side chair in dark hunter green with beautiful hand painted decoration including

Category

1920s American Chinoiserie Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Cane, Wood

Gorgeous Antique Hand Painted and Caned Japanned Side or Desk Chair

$1,295

JAPAN 1890 Meiji Sculptural Polychromate Netsuke Of a Yamabushi

Located in Miami, FL

original aged patina of over 100 years old and will be a great addition for your desk, Japanese antiques

Category

1890s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Bone

JAPAN 1890 Meiji Sculptural Polychromate Netsuke Of a Yamabushi

$1,398

JAPAN 1900 Meiji Netsuke Carved Shell In Ivory With Snails

Located in Miami, FL

years old and will be a great addition for your desk, Japanese antiques collection, or your bijouterie

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Ivory

JAPAN 1900 Meiji Netsuke Carved Shell In Ivory With Snails

$698

JAPAN 1895 Meiji Okimono Sculpture of a Daikoku Carved In Ivory

Located in Miami, FL

professionally cleaned and polished. This stupendous piece will be a great addition for your desk, your Japanese

Category

1890s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Ivory

JAPAN 1895 Meiji Okimono Sculpture of a Daikoku Carved In Ivory

$1,250

JAPAN 1890 Meiji Okimono Sculpture of a Carpenter Carved In Ivory

Located in Miami, FL

rearranged. This stupendous piece will be a great addition for your desk, your Japanese antiques collection

Category

1890s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Ivory

JAPAN 1890 Meiji Okimono Sculpture of a Carpenter Carved In Ivory

$2,950

Japanese Antique Wooden Low Table / 1868-1920 / Meiji Era / Coffee Table

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is an old Japanese study desk or a desk table used in shops. In Japan, low tables like this

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Wooden Low Table / 1868-1920 / Meiji Era / Coffee Table

$1,000

JAPAN 1900 Meiji Period Okimono Carving Sculpture of Hen With Chicks

Located in Miami, FL

Japanese Meiji period okimono of a Hen. This is a beautiful and highly detailed okimono figure

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Bone

JAPAN 1900 Meiji Period Okimono Carving Sculpture of Hen With Chicks

$1,398

JAPAN 1890 Meiji Okimono Sculpture of a Farmer-Hunter Carved In Ivory

Located in Miami, FL

patina of over 100 years old. This piece will be a great addition for your desk, your Japanese antiques

Category

1890s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Ivory

JAPAN 1890 Meiji Okimono Sculpture of a Farmer-Hunter Carved In Ivory

$1,698

JAPAN 1910 Meiji Okimono Sculpture of Kinko Sennin On a Carp Carved In Ivory

Located in Miami, FL

years old. This piece will be a great addition for your desk, your Japanese antiques collection, or your

Category

1910s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Ivory

JAPAN 1910 Meiji Okimono Sculpture of Kinko Sennin On a Carp Carved In Ivory

$895

Unusual Desk Lamp Known as the "Question Mark Lamp"

Located in Petaluma, CA

This very practical and yet whimsical lamp is a highly desirable accessory to your desk. Please

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Brass

Unusual Desk Lamp Known as the "Question Mark Lamp"

$875

English Chinoiserie 1920s Black and Gold Tall Secretary with Slant Front Desk

Located in Atlanta, GA

An English tall Japanned secretary from the early 20th century with black and gold chinoiserie

Category

Early 20th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood

English Chinoiserie 1920s Black and Gold Tall Secretary with Slant Front Desk

$25,500

Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Exhibition Stand, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei

Located in Katori-Shi, 12

exceptional durability and beauty. Originally used as an old Japanese study desk, this table has developed a

Category

Early 20th Century Meiji Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood

Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Exhibition Stand, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei

$850

Japaned desk

Located in San Francisco, CA

A early to mid 19th Century English Japaned desk.

Category

19th Century English Antique Japanese Desk

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Japaned desk

$7,950

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Antique Japanese Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the antique Japanese desk you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and lacquer, every antique Japanese desk was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the antique Japanese desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique Japanese desk, designed in the Georgian, Louis XVI or Louis XV style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one antique Japanese desk that is appealing in its simplicity, but Awaji Pottery, Edward William Godwin and Charles Hindley Sons produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Antique Japanese Desk?

Prices for an antique Japanese desk can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $199 and can go as high as $229,500, while the average can fetch as much as $3,122.

Questions About Antique Japanese Desk

What is a Japanese desk called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
What a Japanese desk is called depends on its style. A chabudai is a short work desk that rests on folding legs, making it easy to transport. Zens are another type of portable desk that resembles a tray. People commonly use them both for dining and work. Another type of desk is the kotatsu. This desk features a frame that rests over a heater and has a soft cloth cover. A tabletop sits on top of the kotatsu, providing a surface for writing, reading and using a laptop computer. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Japanese desks.
What are antique desks called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
What antique desks are called depends on their design. A desk with chair cutouts on both sides is a partner desk, while one with a pull-down writing surface is a secretary. On a Davenport desk, the desktop lifts to reveal a storage area. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary desks on 1stDibs.
What is an antique Davenport desk?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
An antique Davenport desk is a small writing desk, usually with four drawers on one side. The desk would have elaborately decorated supports and a recessed space for adequate legroom. Shop a collection of Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A Davenport desk is a type of small desk with a distinct inclined desktop. The desktop covers a large storage compartment meant for keeping paper and other writing materials. Popular in the 19th century, Davenport desks are still sought after today. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers.
How can I tell if my Japanese pottery is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
To tell if your Japanese pottery is antique, look for markings, which usually appear on the bottoms of pieces. If you see the word "Nippon," your piece was likely produced between 1891 and 1921, making it an antique. Pieces marked with the words "made in occupied Japan" originated between 1945 and 1952 and are vintage, based on their age. A "made in Japan" marking may indicate a vintage or contemporary piece. If you don't see any of these markings, consult trusted online resources to get a rough idea of when your pottery was produced. Any piece that dates back 100 years or more is antique. Should you encounter difficulty with the dating process, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Japanese pottery.
How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.
How do I know if my antique roll top desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.
How much is my antique secretary desk worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.