Antique Japanese Chabudai Folding Table, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-896-2

Japanese Chabudai Folding Low Table | Antique Coffee Table & Floor Desk, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-896-2

A lacquered folding chabudai from the Early Showa era, finished in dramatic kuro-nuri black with a fine red edge detail -- a striking example of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture.

A chabudai is a traditional Japanese low dining table designed for use on tatami flooring, where meals were taken seated on zabuton cushions or directly on the mat. This fine example dates to the Early Showa period (1927-1945), when chabudai were the centerpiece of everyday Japanese domestic life. The table is finished in a deep kuro-nuri (black lacquer) coat applied over a hardwood base, with a distinctive red lacquer edge line running along the full perimeter of the tabletop and down each leg -- a classical two-tone lacquer treatment that elevates the piece well above utilitarian furniture. The legs are elegantly tapered with a gently flared silhouette, connected by a low stretcher for rigidity, and fold flat beneath the tabletop via a pivot-and-slot folding mechanism, allowing the table to be stored upright against a wall or slid under a futon when not in use. This folding construction is a hallmark of traditional Japanese space-efficiency and reflects the craftsmanship of the pre-war era.

In a modern home, this chabudai works beautifully as a low coffee table in a living room styled around Japandi or wabi-sabi aesthetic principles -- its bold black lacquer surface and red accent line pair effortlessly with neutral linen, natural wood, and ceramic accents. Place it on a tatami mat or a low-pile rug for an authentic floor-seating setup, or use it as a floor desk for reading, sketching, or laptop work in a meditation room or home office corner. Its flat-folding design makes it especially practical for smaller spaces where furniture must earn its place. A thoughtful and unique gift for collectors of Japanese antiques or anyone who appreciates mid-century Asian design.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Hardwood with black lacquer (kuro-nuri) finish and red lacquer edge detailing
• Use: Traditional Japanese low dining and serving table for tatami room floor-seating
• Modern Use: Low coffee table for living room floor-seating arrangement; floor desk for home office or meditation room; decorative accent table in a Japandi-style interior
• Features: Deep black lacquer tabletop with red lacquer perimeter edge line; elegantly tapered and flared legs with matching two-tone lacquer finish; classical folding mechanism -- legs pivot flat beneath the tabletop for compact storage; low cross-stretcher for structural stability
• Dimensions: 17 3/4"W x 35 1/2"D x 12 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A boldly lacquered piece of Japanese antique furniture that brings the understated elegance of pre-war craftsmanship into any modern 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.