Small antique Japanese chest with drawers – Meiji / Showa period (c.1890-1945) #93

Small antique Japanese chest with drawers made of paulownia wood and Japanese cedar, dating from the end of the Meiji period (circa 1900). This type of domestic furniture was used in Japanese homes to store small personal items, writing or sewing tools. The piece features a compact structure with side drawers, an upper compartment with a tray, and a sliding lid protecting the main space. Chests of this size were common in traditional Japanese interiors. The structure is primarily made of paulownia wood (kiri), valued for its lightness and stability. The interior also uses Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), while the handles and reinforcing elements are made of iron and copper. The surface shows a deep and natural patina formed over decades of use. The marks and variations in colour contribute to the authenticity of the piece. Today, this chest can be used as a desk organiser, storage box, or decorative element, bringing a warm presence and an aesthetic close to wabi-sabi. Details. Origin: Japan. Period: Meiji (1868–1912) Date of manufacture: circa 1900. Materials: Paulownia (Paulownia spp.), Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), copper, and iron. Dimensions: 62 cm length × 39 cm depth × 30 cm height. Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use.