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Old Japanese wooden bench/wooden chair with storage/Showa era
$1,200
£913.77
€1,052.19
CA$1,700.51
A$1,829.14
CHF 977.54
MX$21,560.31
NOK 12,324.54
SEK 11,266.97
DKK 7,861.61
About the Item
This wooden bench with storage was made in Japan during the Showa period (mid-20th century). Even among vintage Japanese furniture, benches with such a simple and elegant structure are rare, evoking the atmosphere of an era when international furniture design was beginning to take hold in the country. At the time, Japanese living spaces were in a transitional period, with Japanese and Western styles beginning to intermingle. Benches like this one likely appeared in public facilities, Western-style buildings in private homes, and reception rooms.
The frame is made of sturdy, resilient beechwood, while the seat and sides are made of plywood, typical of Showa-era Japanese furniture. The chair exemplifies the rational, Japanese craftsmanship of the time, characterized by the placement of materials in the right places while reducing weight and ensuring durability.
The backrest is made of thin, rectangular timber, but rather than simply straight lines, the corners of the backrest have been rounded with a router, creating a subtle design. The tips of the armrests are also rounded, creating a striking touch that subtly hints at the gentle craftsmanship of the piece within the linear, minimalist design. Without any excessive ornamentation, the frame structure itself is a complete design element, exuding a refined presence that complements contemporary furniture.
This bench's appeal is also its high level of practicality. The seat is retractable and features internal storage. Integrated storage and seating were rare in Japanese furniture from the Showa period, making this a design ingeniously crafted for an era when living space was limited. Reinforcements are built into the underside of the seat, ensuring excellent structural durability. The bench is large enough for an adult to sit comfortably on its own. It is versatile enough for modern living, whether in an entryway, hallway, or corner of the living room.
Signs of aging include scuffs and stains on the tabletop, and a small chip on the lower back corner. However, neither of these affects the structure, and the natural finish unique to furniture that has been used for many years blends seamlessly into the space. In fact, it is these textures that give it a warmth and presence not found in mass-produced furniture.
I've been dealing with various antique furniture for over a decade, but I'd never come across a Japanese-made bench with this design. This was my first encounter with this piece.
Its linear, clean design, while retaining the softness of the wood, is particularly rare among mid-Showa Japanese furniture, and its beautiful design is perfectly suited to modern interiors. It blends naturally into the space and creates an air of "attractive furniture," making it a truly appealing piece.
Dimensions: W78cm x D42cm x H78.5cm (Seat height 46cm)
Weight: 12.3kg
Product number: CH061
[Our Social Role]
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We are a specialized team dealing in antiques and vintage items, comprised of stores based on three distinct brands. While focusing on Japanese items, we also offer a carefully curated selection of attractive goods from around the world—each evoking the culture and history of its country of origin.
Unlike the traditional Japanese antique furniture and art that have been appreciated overseas until now, we shine a light on the tools and furniture that were used for many years in ordinary Japanese homes and farmhouses. These objects have gained a unique charm over time, their beauty deepened by the history accumulated through daily life. In today’s world, however, many of these precious items are discarded during home demolitions. We are committed to reassessing their value and passing them on to future generations.
Drawing from our extensive experience—having seen tens of thousands of items through direct purchases, markets, and auction houses—we carefully select and present only the most captivating pieces. This is something made possible only through the years of knowledge and expertise we have cultivated.
Rather than focusing on the widely known facets of Japanese art and culture, we highlight the subtle beauty born from the everyday life of common people. It is this rediscovered beauty, steeped in history, that we strive to share with the world.
- Dimensions:Height: 30.91 in (78.5 cm)Width: 30.71 in (78 cm)Depth: 16.54 in (42 cm)Seat Height: 18.12 in (46 cm)
- Style:Showa (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid-20th Century
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Sammu-shi, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5487247640692
About the Seller
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Established in 2015
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1,715 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 6 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: senzoku, Japan
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