Antique Japanese Mirror, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-831

Japanese Kyodai Dressing Mirror | Antique Vanity Mirror & Bedroom Decor, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-831

A handcrafted Early Showa kyodai vanity mirror with richly figured drawer storage and a swiveling beveled glass -- where Japanese antique furniture meets timeless bedroom elegance.

A kyodai is a traditional Japanese tabletop dressing mirror mounted on a low storage chest, used daily by women for applying makeup and arranging their hair. This handsomely preserved example dates to the Early Showa period (1927-1945), a time when Japanese craftsmen blended Western furniture silhouettes with distinctly Japanese woodworking sensibilities. The swiveling mirror is set within a deeply lacquered hardwood frame with generously rounded corners and graceful carved upright supports, allowing the glass to tilt to the desired angle. A delicate pierced apron below the mirror base features small heart-shaped cutouts -- a charming folk-craft detail that softens the overall composition. The base cabinet is constructed in contrasting woods: drawer fronts display a boldly figured burl veneer, possibly kaki (persimmon), while a small hinged side door is faced with a dramatically striped dark wood panel, likely tagayasan or a similarly dense hardwood, creating a striking two-tone effect characteristic of the period's decorative taste. Each drawer is fitted with a brass bail pull in a scalloped mount, adding warm metallic contrast to the rich brown tones of the piece.

In today's home, this vintage Japanese kyodai translates beautifully into a statement piece for bedroom decor -- set it on a dresser or vanity table as a freestanding mirror with built-in jewelry storage, using the drawers for rings, earrings, and small accessories. Its compact footprint also suits a home office desk as a decorative accent with hidden storage, or a bathroom organizer for grooming essentials on a wide shelf or countertop. The warm burl wood tones and wabi-sabi aesthetic pair naturally with Japandi-style interiors, mid-century modern bedrooms, or any space that appreciates handcrafted vintage Japanese craft. It would make a unique housewarming gift or a treasured find for collectors of Japanese antique furniture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Hardwood frame and base in lacquered dark hardwood; drawer fronts in boldly figured burl veneer, possibly kaki (persimmon); side door panel in dramatically striped dark hardwood; brass bail pulls; glass mirror
• Use: Tabletop dressing mirror (kyodai) with integrated storage chest for cosmetics and personal accessories
• Modern Use: Bedroom vanity mirror with jewelry storage; home office desk accessory with hidden compartments; bathroom countertop organizer and decorative accent
• Features: Swiveling rectangular mirror in rounded hardwood frame; scrolled upright supports; pierced apron with heart-shaped cutout decoration; multiple stacked drawers with figured burl fronts and brass bail pulls; small hinged side door with striped dark wood panel and brass knob; bracket feet; clean plain sides and back
• Dimensions: 15"W x 9"D x 24"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and beautifully preserved piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this kyodai dressing mirror brings the quiet elegance of Early Showa craftsmanship into any modern bedroom or living space.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.