Vintage Japanese Red Lacquer Low Writing Desk, Mid-Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0670

Vintage Japanese Red Lacquer Low Writing Desk, Mid-Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0670

A striking mid-century floor desk in deep red lacquer over hand-carved wood -- adorned with a soaring crane, floral relief, and chiseled wave-ground texture throughout.

A lacquer writing desk of this type is a traditional Japanese low desk designed for use at floor level or with zabuton cushion seating -- a format common in tatami rooms for scholarly writing, correspondence, and ink brushwork. This exceptional example from the mid-Showa period is entirely sheathed in a deep red lacquer finish applied over a hand-carved wood ground, a technique in which the surface is first worked with a chisel to create a rhythmic wave or basket-weave texture before lacquer is laid over it -- giving the finish its characteristic depth and shadow. The drawer fronts are carved in relief with a bird in flight amid sweeping foliage on one panel and bold leaf forms on the other, while the side cabinet door features a large-leafed flowering plant motif rendered with confident, expressive cuts. The crazing and patina of the red lacquer are consistent with age and add genuine wabi-sabi character to the piece. This is a handcrafted Japanese decorative furniture piece that would appeal strongly to collectors of vintage Japanese craft and mid-century Asian decorative arts.

At just 12.5 inches tall, this vintage desk works beautifully as a living room coffee table or floor-level display surface in a Japandi-style or minimalist decor setting. The pair of pull-out drawers offer practical storage, while the side cabinet -- finished in black lacquer inside and secured with a small metal lock and tassel key -- is ideal for stashing remotes, coasters, or small accessories. Styled against a low sofa or floor cushions, it makes a dramatic conversation piece. It also works well as a bedroom accent table, an entryway display shelf, or a home office surface for a laptop at a floor-seated workstation. A truly unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who loves bold statement furniture with genuine history.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Wood with red lacquer over hand-carved surface; unfinished light wood drawer interiors; black lacquered cabinet interior
• Use: Low writing or floor desk for tatami-room use; scholarly writing and correspondence
• Modern Use: Living room coffee table; bedroom or entryway accent table; floor-seated home office desk
• Features: All-over chiseled wave-texture ground covered in red lacquer; relief-carved bird-in-flight motif on one drawer front; bold leaf and floral carving on second drawer front and side cabinet door; two pull-out drawers with metal bail handles; side cabinet with small metal lock and tassel key; panel legs with shaped cutout apertures; black lacquered cabinet interior
• Dimensions: 27 1/2"W x 13 1/2"D x 12 1/2"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition; lacquer shows age-appropriate crazing and patina consistent with era; drawers and cabinet door functional

A bold and collectible piece of vintage Japanese decorative furniture -- its hand-carved lacquer surface and expressive relief motifs bring unmistakable warmth and artistry to 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.