Small antique Japanese cedar furniture with a door and drawers – Taishō / early Shōwa period (circa 1912-1945)

Small antique Japanese furniture made of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), Japan, late Taishō period and early Shōwa period, circa 1912-1945. This type of compact vertical furniture was part of the common household furnishings in Japan in the early 20th century. Designed to provide practical storage space while taking up little room, it was used to keep clothes, documents, or personal items. The piece is entirely made of Japanese cedar, a lightweight and stable wood highly valued in traditional carpentry for its natural fragrance, resistance to moisture, and ease of working. The furniture features a characteristic vertical organisation with a small upper drawer, a central compartment closed by a door, and a lower drawer. Inside, a shelf divides the storage space and allows for functional organisation. The metal handles and simple fittings reflect the understated aesthetic of utilitarian Japanese furniture, where functionality and proportions take precedence over ornamentation. The surface retains a warm patina developed over time and use. The marks, variations in hue, and natural wear of the wood enhance the authenticity of the piece. Today, these small Japanese furniture pieces are highly sought after as decorative storage elements in contemporary interiors. Their narrow and vertical format makes them particularly suitable for small spaces. Details. Dimensions: Length: 23 cm Depth: 31 cm Height: 59 cm. Style: Taishō Materials and techniques: Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) Place of origin: Japan. Period: Late Taishō, early Shōwa period. Date of manufacture: Circa 1912-1945. This piece is part of the collection of Amaru Antiques, Barcelona.