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Japanese Antique Glass Showcase Cabinet, Taisho Era (1912–1926), Cedar Wood
$2,500
£1,888.66
€2,165.88
CA$3,488.27
A$3,796.31
CHF 2,012.42
MX$45,672.54
NOK 25,523.97
SEK 23,352.65
DKK 16,180.77
About the Item
This Japanese antique cabinet dates to the Taisho Era (1912–1926) and was found in the Tohoku region of northern Japan.
Crafted entirely from solid cedar wood, the cabinet features original early-period glass with gentle waviness, characteristic of glass produced using traditional methods before modern industrial processes became common. The upper sliding glass doors were designed to function as a showcase, indicating that this piece was originally used in a shop or office rather than in a private residence.
Because the doors were not intended for frequent opening and closing, they were made without handles. While this creates a very clean and restrained appearance, opening the doors requires gently grasping the edge of the wooden frame. The sliding action itself has been carefully maintained and remains smooth.
Over time, the exterior cedar surfaces have weathered naturally, softening into a warm, gentle texture. The wood does not feel dry or harsh; instead, it retains a subtle richness shaped by decades of everyday use.
The exterior has been gently cleaned to remove accumulated dirt and an aged surface coating—believed to be a traditional rice-wash finish once used for practical protection. This process was carried out with care, preserving the cabinet’s natural patina and warmth. In contrast, the interior of the cabinet and the drawer interiors have been thoroughly cleaned, ensuring a fresh and comfortable storage environment while maintaining the piece’s antique character.
The top surface is finished more roughly than the rest of the cabinet. This suggests that the top was not treated as a visual focal point, or that an additional tier may originally have been placed above it. Tool marks from large hand saws remain visible, offering a clear trace of manual woodworking rather than machine processing. Far from detracting, these marks add to the cabinet’s authenticity and are considered a valued detail by many collectors.
The structure is solid, and the top has sufficient strength to support decorative objects or everyday appliances with confidence.
Below the glass section are four drawers, each fitted with original iron handles handmade by a blacksmith. The backplates feature a heart-shaped cutout known in Japan as Inome, or “boar’s eye.” Rather than a simple decorative motif, this traditional form has long been regarded as a protective charm, believed to ward off misfortune and invite good fortune.
Shaped by practical use and time, this cabinet carries a quiet sense of history. Its restrained design reflects its original purpose, allowing it to function beautifully today as a display cabinet, storage piece, or showcase in both modern and traditional interiors.
Condition Notes:
- Structure is sound and stable with no structural issues
- Surface shows age-related wear including scratches, small cracks, and dents consistent with age
- Original antique glass shows gentle waviness, along with small scratches and areas of cloudiness typical of early glass
- Back panel shows gaps caused by natural wood contraction over time
- Faint remnants of handwritten markings remain on one side panel from past use
- Sliding doors and drawers operate smoothly
Cleaned and disinfected with a non-toxic solution.
As an authentic Taisho-era piece, this cabinet shows natural signs of age inherent to Japanese antique furniture. Characteristics such as finish wear, wood movement, small splits, surface marks, and interior staining are reflections of its history and authenticity, not defects. Please review all photos carefully—condition details are visible in the images—and feel free to contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Interior dimensions (approx.)
Sliding glass-door interior:
W: 33.7" (85.6 cm) / D: 14.8" (37.6 cm)
H: 10.6" (26.8 cm) upper / 11.0" (28.0 cm) lower
Drawer interior:
W: 15.9" (40.5 cm) / D: 15.7" (39.8 cm)
H: 5.3" (13.4 cm) upper / 6.3" (15.9 cm) lower
Weight: 62.2 lbs (28.2 kg)
Shipping Information:
We ship from Japan. I will provide my own shipping quote. Please ask.
Import duties, taxes, and customs fees are the responsibility of the buyer.
Approach to Selection and Restoration
Each piece is individually selected through our own eye, then restored to reveal its most compelling state. Movement, stability, and surface are considered as one—shaped through practice to be lived with naturally, honoring the wood’s natural patina while avoiding environmentally harsh chemical strippers or forceful abrasion.
- Dimensions:Height: 39.53 in (100.4 cm)Width: 37.41 in (95 cm)Depth: 17.52 in (44.5 cm)
- Style:Taisho (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1920
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Structurally sound and stable. Age-related wear such as scratches, small cracks, dents, and glass waviness are present, consistent with age. Sliding doors and drawers operate smoothly, and the cabinet remains fully functional for everyday use.
- Seller Location:Hitachiomiya-shi, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7430248098952
About the Seller
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Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Hitachiomiya, Japan
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