Japanese Small Drawer Cabinet with Calligraphy, c. 1910–1920

A small Japanese wooden drawer cabinet from the early Taishō period, with two drawers, metal ring handles and hand-painted calligraphy on the top.

Dimensions: height 22 cm, width 19 cm, depth 28 cm.

This compact cabinet has a sober rectangular form and a beautifully dark surface, where warm reddish-brown wood tones have become visible over time. The two drawers are fitted with simple metal ring handles, while the interior shows a lighter, natural wood tone.

The hand-painted Japanese calligraphy on the top reads Taguchiya, an old shop or trade name. The cabinet was likely used in a shop or office setting for storing small documents, papers, vouchers, receipts or administrative items.

Today, this small cabinet lends itself beautifully as a refined storage piece for jewellery, papers, writing tools, keys or other personal objects. With its modest size and aged character, it fits naturally on a desk, low cabinet, shelf or within a Japanese-inspired interior.

In beautiful antique condition, with signs of use, wear, discoloration, small scratches and patina consistent with age and original use.

A simple yet highly characterful Japanese cabinet with a strong visual presence.