Old Japanese cedar wardrobe – Taishō / Shōwa period (c. 1912-1945) #32

Antique Japanese armoire made of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) with sliding glass doors and lower drawers, crafted in Japan between the end of the Taishō period and the beginning of the Shōwa period, circa 1912–1945. This type of Japanese storage furniture reflects the functional elegance of early 20th-century Japanese domestic furnishings. Its structure combines closed spaces, display cases, and drawers, allowing for the organisation and presentation of items in balanced and harmonious interiors. The piece is made of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), a lightweight and aromatic wood commonly used in traditional Japanese furniture for its stability and natural resistance to moisture. The fine grain and warm hue of the wood give the piece a soft and luminous presence. The design features sliding glass doors in the central part, with small upper compartments and a series of lower drawers equipped with metal handles. This organisation allowed for the efficient storage of household items, documents, or tools while maintaining visual harmony. The surface retains a natural patina with signs of use, consistent with the age and history of the piece. These marks of time are part of the character of antique Japanese furniture and enhance the authenticity of the item.