Vintage Japanese Kyodai Dressing Mirror on Lacquered Storage Chest, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26J-0771

Vintage Japanese Kyodai Dressing Mirror on Lacquered Storage Chest, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26J-0771

A deep burgundy lacquered kyodai with gold grass motif -- a graceful vanity centerpiece from the late Showa era.

A kyodai is a traditional Japanese dressing mirror mounted on a low storage chest, designed to sit on the floor or a low platform while a woman dressed and groomed in the privacy of her bedroom. This handcrafted Japanese vintage furniture piece features a tall, arched pivoting mirror set in a warm-toned wood frame, rising above a stepped base chest finished in a rich, deep burgundy lacquer-style coating. Scattered across every surface is a delicate gold-painted grass or reed motif -- a classic Japanese decorative motif evoking the natural world -- applied with a fluid brushwork reminiscent of the maki-e tradition. The base chest combines multiple pull-out drawers fitted with small brass bar pulls alongside a hinged side cabinet with its own door, offering generous and well-organized storage for cosmetics, combs, and personal accessories. The stepped, asymmetrical silhouette of the chest is characteristic of mid-to-late Showa mass-produced kyodai, blending functional design with an unmistakably Japanese aesthetic.

Today, this vintage Japanese kyodai translates beautifully into a modern home as a statement bedroom decor piece -- use the drawers and cabinet as a jewelry cabinet and accessories organizer while the tall pivoting mirror serves its original purpose at a dressing table or beside a wardrobe. Its compact footprint and dramatic deep-red finish make it equally at home as a living room accent in a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior, where its aged mirror patina and gold grass decoration add warmth and history. It also works as an entryway furniture accent with small-item storage, and would make a striking unique gift for collectors or Japanophiles who appreciate handcrafted Japanese vintage furniture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood with deep burgundy lacquer-style finish; gold-painted grass motif decoration throughout; arched mirror glass in a warm-toned wood frame with brass pivot hardware
• Use: Personal grooming and cosmetic storage; traditional bedroom vanity mirror (kyodai)
• Modern Use: Bedroom jewelry cabinet and accessories organizer; living room or entryway decorative accent with storage; statement vanity mirror for a Japandi-style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior
• Features: Tall arched pivoting mirror in a stepped wood frame; deep burgundy lacquer-style finish overall; gold-painted reed and grass motif on all exterior surfaces; stepped asymmetrical base chest with multiple pull-out drawers each fitted with a brass bar pull; hinged side cabinet door with brass hardware; small bracket feet; aged foxing and spotting visible on mirror glass consistent with period patina
• Dimensions: 23 1/4"W x 10 3/4"D x 42 3/4"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition -- lacquer finish intact with minor wear; mirror glass shows age-appropriate foxing and surface spotting consistent with the era; overall structure solid and functional.

A captivating piece of vintage Japanese bedroom furniture -- the kyodai brings timeless Showa-era elegance and handcrafted Japanese charm 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.