Small antique Japanese chest of drawers – Showa period (c.1926-1970) #11

Small antique Japanese chest of drawers – Showa period (c.1926-1970) Dimensions: Length: 69 cm Depth: 33 cm Height: 77 cm. Style: Showa. Materials and techniques: Japanese ash (Fraxinus mandshurica var. Japonica), Paulownia (Paulownia spp.) Place of origin: Japan. Period: Early Showa period. Date of manufacture: Circa 1926-1970. Condition: Good. Wear is consistent with age and use. This Japanese piece from the Showa period is distinguished by its compact vertical format, designed for practical and adaptable domestic use. Its composition combines open shelves, closed compartments, and lower drawers, providing a clear and well-structured storage solution within a reduced volume. The piece is made from a combination of Japanese ash (Fraxinus mandshurica var. Japonica) and paulownia (Paulownia spp.). The denser and more durable ash is used for the structure and visible surfaces, providing stability and expressive grain, while the paulownia is used in the interiors of the drawers and secondary elements, promoting lightness and smooth sliding. This combination is typical of Japanese furniture from the mid-20th century. The design is simple and functional, without superfluous ornamentation. Discreet metal handles and side cutouts facilitate the handling of the piece and highlight its utilitarian character. The wood exhibits a warm and even patina, marked by signs of use, abrasions, and slight variations in hue consistent with its age. During the Showa period (1926–1989), Japanese furniture evolved towards more rational and efficient forms, suited to smaller living spaces and a modernised domestic organisation. This type of piece reflects this transition while retaining traditional materials and a clear constructive logic. UNIQUE PIECE.