Vintage Japanese Chabudai Low Table, Early Showa (1938) | SKU: 26J-0578-1

Vintage Japanese Chabudai Low Table, Early Showa (1938) | SKU: 26J-0578-1

A dated ceremonial chabudai from Tachikawa, inscribed Showa 13 (1938) -- a rare piece of living Japanese history.

A chabudai is a traditional Japanese low table used for floor-level dining, tea service, and communal gathering in the home. This compact rectangular example was crafted in 1938 -- Showa 13 -- and bears an ink inscription on its underside identifying it as a presentation piece made for a keiro (elder respect) gathering organized by a patriotic women's and youth group in Tachikawa-machi. The inscription gives this vintage Japanese furniture piece an extraordinary layer of provenance rarely found in the collector market: it is not merely a functional object but a documented artifact of prewar civic life. The top surface is finished in a deep reddish-brown lacquer with a dark-edged border, revealing a boldly figured wood grain beneath -- likely a hardwood such as keyaki (zelkova) or a similarly figured Japanese species. The underside framework, visible in the images, displays a folding leg mechanism that allowed the table to collapse flat for easy storage, a hallmark of efficient Japanese domestic design.

Today this chabudai works beautifully as a low coffee table in a Japandi-style or wabi-sabi living room, adding both warmth and an authentic story to the space. Its compact footprint -- under 17 inches wide -- also makes it an ideal floor-level meditation or tea table, or a striking display platform for ceramics, books, or botanicals in a minimalist decor setting. The dated inscription and civic provenance make it a truly unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates vintage Japanese furniture with a verifiable history. Whether used daily or displayed as a conversation piece, it brings a quiet dignity rooted in prewar Japan into the modern home.

• Origin: Japan (Tachikawa region)
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa) -- dated Showa 13, May 23, 1938
• Material: Wood with dark lacquered top surface; boldly figured grain consistent with keyaki (zelkova) or similar Japanese hardwood; natural wood underside and folding leg frame
• Use: Low floor-level table for dining, tea service, or communal gathering; presented at a keiro (elder respect) ceremony
• Modern Use: Low coffee table for Japandi or wabi-sabi living rooms; floor-level tea or meditation table; display platform for ceramics or decorative objects
• Features: Rectangular top with generously rounded corners; deep reddish-brown lacquered surface with dark-stained edge; folding leg mechanism on underside for flat storage; ink inscription on underside recording the gifting occasion, presenting organization, and date (Showa 13, 5th month, 23rd day)
• Dimensions: 16 3/4"W x 13"D x 6 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and datable piece of vintage Japanese furniture -- handcrafted, historically inscribed, and ready to bring the warmth of prewar Japan into any modern interior.

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 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.