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Antique Japanese wooden coffee table with a tasteful ink-wash pattern/Meiji

$1,000

£766.63

€877.24

CA$1,413.23

A$1,536.12

CHF 822.31

MX$18,568.13

NOK 10,362.71

SEK 9,557.11

DKK 6,551.56

About the Item

Long a beloved part of Japanese culture, the "fuzukue" (writing desk) originated as a piece of furniture for writing, literally meaning "a desk for writing," and has accompanied quiet desk-based pursuits such as calligraphy, writing letters, and reading. Unlike Western desks, Japanese writing desks are low-profile and designed for use while sitting on the floor, making them a natural outgrowth of tatami culture. Their history dates back to before the Edo period, when they developed alongside the stationery boxes and inkstone boxes used by monks and scholars. From the Edo period onward, they became widely used in the lives of ordinary people. This wooden writing desk is believed to have been made between the Meiji and early Showa periods and is likely made of beech (Japanese oak). Beech is a representative Japanese hardwood, known for its dense, strong yet warm grain, and is used for a wide range of purposes, from everyday items to furniture. This desk is another tool that has long been used in everyday life, and its simple, linear leg structure and rustic appearance, made with only the bare minimum of materials, suggest its quiet presence as a part of the lives of ordinary people at the time. The underside of the tabletop and legs appear blackened by smoke; this is the result of smoke from the hearth and soot from candles seeping in over time, naturally altering the wood's surface. Rather than being intentionally painted, the piece is imprinted with the "color of time" accumulated over the course of everyday life, evoking the deep flavor unique to antique Japanese furniture. This natural sooting exudes an alluring charm that not only evokes age, but also seems to capture the temperature and atmosphere of life at the time. The most distinctive feature of this desk is the unique black pattern that appears on the tabletop. At first glance, the bold, flowing pattern resembles that of a rare wood like black persimmon, but is actually a sumi-e (ink wash) painting created by dripping ink onto the beech tabletop and utilizing the resulting bleeding. This is no coincidence; judging by the flow of the brushstrokes, the shades of ink, and the use of space, it appears to have been applied playfully by someone with some knowledge of ink painting. The bold black brushstrokes blend naturally with the wood grain, creating a one-of-a-kind appearance, as if part of the ink painting were inhabiting the tabletop. I have handled many desks, but this is the first time I have seen such an original piece, where the wood grain has been "added" with ink, making it an extremely rare piece. The ink is deeply absorbed into the wood, so a light wipe with water will not remove it, making it safe for use. The tabletop is in excellent condition overall, with no significant warping or distortion, and no missing or repaired parts. This desk is a great low table for your living room, and also works well as a display stand for vases and other objects. It blends seamlessly into modern interiors while still emanating a strong presence. The composition with the ink flowing down the center is particularly beautiful, adding a sense of tranquility and a deep, lingering impression to any space. This is a truly fascinating piece that combines Japanese lifestyle culture with artistic playfulness. Dimensions: W88.7cm x D34.5cm x H26.5cm Weight: 5kg Product Number: TA129 [Our Social Role] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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: 10.44 in (26.5 cm)Width: 34.93 in (88.7 cm)Depth: 13.59 in (34.5 cm)

Style:

Meiji (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Beech,Woodwork

Place of Origin:

Japan

Period:

Late 19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1868-1920

Condition:

Seller Location:

Materials

Cedar

This antique low table was crafted in the Meiji Era (1868–1912) from Japanese sugi (cedar) wood, finished with Urushi (traditional Japanese lacquer). This elegant low table embodies the essence of Japanese living, designed for use while seated on tatami mats or the floor—a practice rooted in centuries of tradition. Crafted from sugi, a softwood prized for its warm grain and natural resilience, the table is finished in deep black Urushi that has weathered beautifully over more than a century. The surface tells a story of use and time: gentle wear, subtle scratches, and a mellow patina that speaks to the quiet beauty of wabi-sabi. The design is refreshingly simple—a generous rectangular top supported by a minimal frame with clean lines and understated joinery. At just 9.4 inches tall, it sits low to the ground, inviting a slower, more grounded way of living. Perfect as a coffee table, meditation...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Low Table (Zataku), Meiji Era (1868–1912), Wabi Sabi

$1,000 / item

Antique Japanese wooden coffee table with a tasteful ink-wash pattern/Meiji

About the Item

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