Antique Japanese work table – Showa Period (c.1926-1970)
- Dimensions: Length: 120 cm Depth: 74 cm Height: 75 cm
- Style: Showa
- Materials and Techniques: Shorea (Shorea spp.), Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
- Place of origin: Japan
- Epoch: Early Showa
- Date of manufacture: Circa 1926-1970
- Condition: Good. Wear commensurate with age and use.
Original Japanese table in the Shōwa style, conceived as a piece for work and everyday use within the home or in small domestic workshops. Its wide and stable format reflects a period in which functionality was paramount, and furniture was expected to withstand continuous use without losing formal clarity.
The piece is crafted from a combination of Shorea (Shorea spp.) and Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica). Shorea, a dense and resilient wood, is used for the main structure and tabletop, providing solidity and stability, while Japanese cedar is employed in secondary elements and drawers, allowing for smooth operation and balanced performance in changing humidity conditions.
The design features a large rectangular tabletop supported by a robust structure with lower stretchers that reinforce overall stability. Integrated front drawers are discreet and functional, intended for tools, documents, or everyday objects. The tabletop presents a deep patina, with visible marks of use, small perforations, and softened edges that bear witness to a life of sustained, practical work.
Historical Context — Shōwa Period
The early Shōwa period (c. 1926–1945) marked a key moment in Japanese architecture and design, when traditional timber construction coexisted with an increasing emphasis on strength and functionality. In the aftermath of the Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923, structures were reinforced and more rational, stable solutions were prioritized. Furniture from this period reflects this mindset: solid, well-proportioned pieces conceived as direct extensions of architectural space.
The state of conservation is optimal, except for the characteristic imperfections of any antique produced by the passage of time.
Give a point of originality to your home with a unique piece, which merges with the contemporary style bringing personality to your home. This antique Japanese work table can be combined with one of our benches or with our available antique Thonet chairs.
ONE OF A KIND
