Small Japanese chest of drawers in paulownia – Showa period (c. 1950–1979)

Small Japanese chest of drawers made from paulownia wood (kiri), crafted in Japan during the mid to late Showa period, circa 1950–1979. It features four drawers with metal handles, decorated with delicate patterns inspired by traditional Japanese textile pouches (kinchaku). During the Showa period, particularly after World War II, Japanese furniture shifted towards simple and functional forms suited to everyday life. Small storage furniture like this chest was widely used in homes to store textiles, documents, or personal items. The piece is made from paulownia wood, a traditional material highly valued in Japan for its lightness, stability, and natural resistance to moisture. For centuries, this wood has been used for storage furniture. The drawer fronts are adorned with patterns reminiscent of traditional Japanese textile pouches, featuring soft colours and refined details. The curved metal handles highlight the understated and functional aesthetic of the piece. The chest has developed a beautiful warm and even patina over time. It is preserved in very good condition, with slight signs of wear consistent with its age. Due to its compact dimensions, this piece can be used as a small accent table, office storage, or bedside table, adding a touch of authentic Japanese aesthetics to a contemporary interior. This piece is part of the Amaru Antiques collection, Barcelona. Dimensions: Length: 44 cm Depth: 31 cm Height: 40 cm. Style: Showa. Materials and techniques: Paulownia (Paulownia spp.) Place of origin: Japan. Period: Mid to late Showa period. Date of manufacture: Circa 1950-1979. Condition: Good. Wear is consistent with age and use.