Antique Japanese wooden coffee table – Japan, circa 1930

This antique Japanese coffee table made of solid wood features two front drawers with forged iron handles and a slatted shelf at the bottom. It originates from Japan, from the early Showa period, when the wood was joined with mortise and tenon joints with through tenons. Low work tables were used while sitting on the floor, in shops, kitchens, and home offices. The drawers housed writing or craft tools, while the lower shelf held everyday items. The tabletop served directly as a work surface, without any protective finish. The structure is made of solid wood, with square-section legs and visible through tenons on the uprights. The drawers are made from planks, joined with dovetails, and have a continuous bottom. The handles are forged iron, with a semi-round profile and irregular forging. The tabletop retains decades of incisions, fine cuts, ink stains, and impacts that have darkened the wood unevenly. This is exactly the surface produced by continuous use without protective finishing. The edges are rounded from wear. It functions as a coffee table in a wabi-sabi or japandi living room, and equally as a tea table near a low sofa. Its marked surface calls for a simple decor, with natural textiles and no visual competition. Details. Dimensions: Length 68 cm – Depth 45 cm – Height 33 cm. Style: Industrial. Materials and techniques: Solid wood; forged iron handles; mortise and tenon joinery with through tenons. Place of origin: Japan. Period: Showa period. Date of manufacture: Circa 1930. Condition / Observations: The tabletop is marked by use, with incisions and some ink stains. Both drawers slide well. Wear is consistent with age and use.