Antique Japanese Wooden Box with Lid, 1920s

Antique Japanese wooden merchant’s or transport chest from the 1920s, constructed from wide softwood planks of Japanese cedar (sugi).

Dimensions: height 24 cm, width 49 cm, depth 36 cm.

The chest has a removable lid made from two long boards. The wood grain is clearly visible and the edges and corners show subtle wear – exactly the kind of patina you would expect from a chest that has seen intensive use. On one long side, you can still discern faded, hand-painted Japanese kanji. They are now too indistinct to read reliably, but they most likely refer to a former owner or destination of the chest and add an extra layer of character to the piece.

Inside, the chest is untreated and light in colour, inviting new use: ideal as a practical storage box in an atelier for drawing and painting materials, paper, textiles or tools. In a living space it also works beautifully as a low side table or display for ikebana, ceramics, books or a curated selection of objects.

A pure, functional piece that now brings a warm, calm accent to both minimalist and more eclectic interiors.