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Japanese Antique Storage Cabinet, Meiji Era (1868-1912), Wabi Sabi, Mingei

Price:$1,200

$2,000List Price

About the Item

This Japanese antique storage cabinet was crafted in the Meiji Era (1868-1912). Compact in scale yet rich in character, the cabinet combines lattice-front sliding doors with five drawers arranged in a balanced composition. Its practical design reflects the everyday utility of traditional Japanese furniture while offering a strong visual presence. The surface displays a richly aged dark finish developed through decades of use. Layers of wear, scratches, abrasions, and variations in tone have accumulated over time, giving the cabinet a texture and depth that cannot be reproduced artificially. These signs of age are not flaws, but part of the story and character that make the piece unique. The lattice-front sliding doors conceal the contents within while adding depth and rhythm to the façade. Their simple geometric pattern contributes to the cabinet's understated yet distinctive appearance. Behind the doors, a removable shelf divides the interior into two storage sections, providing practical storage for a variety of household objects. Below, three smaller drawers and two larger drawers provide useful storage while creating a pleasing sense of balance across the front. The varied drawer sizes reflect the practical approach often found in traditional Japanese furniture. Particularly striking is the worn top surface, which bears the marks of long use and daily life. The softened finish, exposed wood, and accumulated patina embody the spirit of wabi-sabi and give the cabinet a quiet presence that newly made furniture cannot replicate. Free from excessive ornamentation, the cabinet relies on material, texture, proportion, and age for its appeal. Its honest construction and timeworn surface reflect qualities closely associated with the Japanese mingei tradition. Suitable as a storage cabinet, side cabinet, or display piece, it works beautifully with ceramics, books, textiles, and collected objects. Its compact footprint allows it to fit comfortably into both traditional and contemporary interiors. Condition Notes: - Structure is sound and stable with no structural issues - Surface shows extensive age-related wear including scratches, abrasions, dents, marks, finish loss, and areas of discoloration consistent with long-term use - Edges and corners show wear from decades of handling - Iron hardware shows age-related oxidation and wear - Removable interior shelf allows flexible storage arrangements - Sliding doors and drawers open and close smoothly Cleaned and disinfected with a non-toxic solution. As an authentic Meiji-period piece (1868–1912), this cabinet retains the character developed through more than a century of daily use. Surface wear, scratches, dents, abrasions, finish loss, discoloration, and a richly developed patina are visible throughout. These signs of age are not defects but evidence of the cabinet’s long history and practical use. The worn surfaces, softened edges, and darkened cedar tone contribute to the distinctive wabi-sabi character that makes antique Japanese furniture so compelling. Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the description, and feel free to contact us with any questions before purchasing. Upper compartment (shelf removable) W27.0" × D9.1" / 11.2" × H6.7" / 8.7" (68.5 × 23.0 / 28.5 × 17.0 / 22.0 cm) Upper Drawers: W7.6" × D12.7" × H5.8" (19.4 × 32.2 × 14.8 cm) Lower Drawers: W12.2" × D12.6" × H7.1" (30.9 × 32.0 × 18.0 cm) Weight: 47.0 lbs (21.3 kg) Shipping Information: We ship from Japan. I will provide my own shipping quote. Please ask. Import duties, taxes, and customs fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Approach to Selection and Restoration: Each piece is individually selected through our own eye, then restored to reveal its most compelling state. Movement, stability, and surface are considered as one—shaped through practice to be lived with naturally, honoring the wood’s natural patina while avoiding environmentally harsh chemical strippers or forceful abrasion.

Dimensions:
Height: 34.65 in (88 cm)Width: 29.53 in (75 cm)Depth: 13.78 in (35 cm)
Style:
Meiji (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Cedar,Iron,Woodwork
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1890
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. As an authentic Meiji-period piece (1868–1912), this cabinet shows natural signs of age consistent with its history. It remains structurally sound, and both the sliding doors and drawers operate smoothly for everyday use.
Seller Location:
Hitachiomiya-shi, JP
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU7430250538502

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