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Japanese antique wooden storage box, Late Edo period , wabi-sabi coffee table

$1,800

£1,345.94

€1,571.98

CA$2,529

A$2,561.38

CHF 1,471.39

MX$31,060.07

NOK 17,067.89

SEK 17,373.15

DKK 11,752.24

About the Item

This piece is believed to be a wooden storage chest known as a karabi-bitsu, made in Japan during the late Edo period (approximately the 18th–19th century). The karabi-bitsu is a traditional form of Japanese furniture, historically used to store clothing, ritual objects, and other valuable items. The history of the karabi-bitsu is long, with its earliest forms already seen in the Heian period. It later developed further within samurai culture and religious institutions. As a reference, examples of Kamakura-period karabi-bitsu are preserved in the collection of the Nara National Museum. Related reference images are included here to help provide historical context. Karabi-bitsu were more commonly used in temples and shrines rather than in ordinary households. They served as storage for ritual implements, textiles, votive offerings, and Buddhist objects, and were sometimes donated as offerings themselves. In temples and shrines, furnishings were often renewed every few decades. As a result, karabi-bitsu that had completed their role were sometimes passed on to donors or related individuals and continued to be used in private settings. This piece is likely one such example, having been preserved and passed down over a long period of time. The wood is believed to be Japanese cedar or cypress (hinoki). The exterior is partially finished with black lacquer, not fully concealing the wood but intentionally allowing the grain to remain visible. This creates a refined balance between the subdued sheen of lacquer and the strong, expressive character of the wood itself. The surface shows signs of age, including light wear, small scratches, and gaps in the bottom boards. These are not considered flaws, but rather part of the natural aging process, adding depth and character that can only be achieved through long-term use. Today, karabi-bitsu of this age and condition are increasingly difficult to find, making this a rare and valuable piece. When used as a sofa table, coffee table, or low table, it brings a sense of weight and calm presence to a space, creating an atmosphere that mass-produced furniture cannot replicate. Please note that due to the structure of the underside of the lid, placing significant weight on one end of the longer side may cause the opposite side to lift slightly, similar to a seesaw. This is due to the structure of the underside of the lid and is not a defect, but please be aware of this when using the product. We hope you will enjoy incorporating this piece—shaped by Japan’s religious and daily life traditions—into a contemporary interior. Size / Weight / Item No. Size: W 70.5 cm × D 46.5 cm × H 38 cm Weight: 9.05 kg Item No.: TA131 [Our Social Role] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are a specialized team dealing in antiques and vintage items, comprised of stores based on three distinct brands. While focusing on Japanese items, we also offer a carefully curated selection of attractive goods from around the world—each evoking the culture and history of its country of origin. Unlike the traditional Japanese antique furniture and art that have been appreciated overseas until now, we shine a light on the tools and furniture that were used for many years in ordinary Japanese homes and farmhouses. These objects have gained a unique charm over time, their beauty deepened by the history accumulated through daily life. In today’s world, however, many of these precious items are discarded during home demolitions. We are committed to reassessing their value and passing them on to future generations. Drawing from our extensive experience—having seen tens of thousands of items through direct purchases, markets, and auction houses—we carefully select and present only the most captivating pieces. This is something made possible only through the years of knowledge and expertise we have cultivated. Rather than focusing on the widely known facets of Japanese art and culture, we highlight the subtle beauty born from the everyday life of common people. It is this rediscovered beauty, steeped in history, that we strive to share with the world.

Dimensions:
Height: 14.97 in (38 cm)Width: 27.76 in (70.5 cm)Depth: 18.31 in (46.5 cm)
Style:
Edo (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Cedar,Cypress,Lacquered,Woodwork
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
Late 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1750-1868
Condition:
Please note that due to the structure of the underside of the lid, placing significant weight on one end of the longer side may cause the opposite side to lift slightly, similar to a seesaw.
Seller Location:
Sammu-shi, JP
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5487248597832

Materials

Wood

Japanese antique wooden storage box, Late Edo period , wabi-sabi coffee table

About the Item

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