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Japanese Antique Small Drawer Chest with Top Handle, Meiji Era (1868–1912)
$270
£206.99
€236.85
CA$381.57
A$414.75
CHF 222.02
MX$5,013.40
NOK 2,797.93
SEK 2,580.42
DKK 1,768.92
About the Item
This antique small chest was crafted in the Meiji Era (1868–1912) from keyaki (Japanese zelkova), a dense and expressive hardwood known for its durability and warm surface character. Compact yet substantial in presence, it features a simple metal handle on the top, suggesting it was once carried easily from place to place in everyday life.
The two drawers show gentle variations that speak to its long history. The upper drawer retains what appears to be its original metal handle, while the lower drawer was fitted with a replacement handle at some point in its lifetime—a quiet sign of care and continued use. The interiors have been cleaned, though faint stains remain, adding to the chest’s understated wabi-sabi charm.
The exterior shows traces of Japanese traditional lacquer (urushi) along with age-related wear: small dents, scratches, soft abrasions, and minor natural splits in the wood. These marks are not defects but the honest record of a century of use, giving the piece a rich, lived-in warmth that only antique keyaki can convey. With its modest form and storied patina, this chest serves beautifully as storage for stationery, tea utensils, or personal items, and also works well as a small display object within a modern interior.
Condition Notes:
- Structure is sound and stable with no structural issues
- Exterior retains traces of Japanese traditional lacquer (urushi) in dark brown with reddish undertones
- Surface shows age-related wear including minor scratches, dents, and small splits in the wood consistent with age
- Top drawer handle appears to be original
- Bottom drawer handle shows evidence of past repair and has been replaced with different hardware
- Drawer interiors have been cleaned but retain faint stains and discoloration from use—considered part of the piece’s authentic character
- Both drawers open and close smoothly
- Carrying handle on top is intact and functional
Cleaned and disinfected with a non-toxic solution.
As an authentic Meiji-era piece, this chest shows natural signs of age and use characteristic of Japanese antique furniture. Features such as urushi lacquer wear, wood movement, surface marks, hardware replacement, and interior staining are viewed as part of its authenticity and history rather than defects. Please review all photos carefully—condition details are visible in the images—and feel free to contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Drawer interior dimensions (approximate): W: 3.9" (10 cm) / D: 11.0" (28 cm) / H: 2.8" (7 cm)
Weight: 4.0 lbs (1.8 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.
- Dimensions:Height: 7.29 in (18.5 cm)Width: 5.32 in (13.5 cm)Depth: 12.21 in (31 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:e.g.1868-1912
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Cleaned. Stable. Lacquer traces remain. Scratches, dents, small splits. Top handle original; bottom replaced. Interiors cleaned with faint stains. Drawers smooth.
- Seller Location:Hitachiomiya-shi, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7430247737922
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Hitachiomiya, Japan
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