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Japanese Antique Elephant-Shaped Wooden Partition 1900s-1940s / Wabi Sabi Object
$5,000
£3,817.91
€4,346.82
CA$7,020.79
A$7,675.10
CHF 4,060.47
MX$91,844.87
NOK 51,663.67
SEK 47,292.87
DKK 32,468.07
About the Item
This is a truly miraculous natural wood partition—something I have encountered for the first time in over twenty years as a buyer.
Its silhouette evokes the gentle stance of an elephant, where coincidence and the artistry of nature come together in perfect harmony.
The material is believed to be Tochi (Japanese horse chestnut), a piece of buried wood that had long lain dormant underground. Through the passage of time, it has developed a deep color, a soft natural sheen, and a profoundly weighty texture. The flowing grain, characteristic of Tochi, remains visible across the surface—like a record of life itself carved into the wood.
What is particularly remarkable is how the maker chose not to alter the natural form of the wood, instead embracing it as the legs of the elephant. The subtle chisel marks left around the base reveal a poetic dialogue between nature and the craftsman’s hand—a refined sensibility that speaks deeply of Japanese artistry and respect for materials.
Despite its commanding presence, the piece emanates quiet stillness. When simply leaned against a wall, it transforms the surrounding space, as though a sacred living being were standing there. It transcends the category of a partition and becomes a pure work of art.
A fusion of nature’s design and the memory of time—
This singular piece can rightly be called a “sculpture of nature,” born from the meeting of chance and inevitability.
A truly irreplaceable work — completely unique and unlike any other.
Thickness: approx. 30 mm
Weight: 22 kg
___________________________
Our Philosophy
Objects always tell the truth.
All I can do is just to face with them sincerely and give
them deep affection as much as I can.
There is no boundary of nationalities and of eras in beauty.
But I think now is the time we choose 'Japanese style' and it
will be the best way to remind us of what we are losing
today and to question us about an essence of beauty again.
I hope that you can touch the memories which the objects here have,
feel and think of something invisible but exists undoubtedly.
- Dimensions:Height: 47.25 in (120 cm)Width: 53.15 in (135 cm)Depth: 11.82 in (30 cm)
- Style:Primitive (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:Wood,Woodwork
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1900s-1940s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chōsei District Nagara, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10403247387582
About the Seller
4.8
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Established in 2017
1stDibs seller since 2025
65 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Chōsei District Nagara, Japan
- Return Policy
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