Old Japanese Tea Chest Covered with Newspaper, c. 1950–1970

A remarkable old Japanese storage and tea chest from the Shōwa period, dating from c. 1950–1970. Originally used for storing tea, herbs or other dry goods, the chest now has a highly decorative presence thanks to its exterior covering of Japanese newspaper.

Dimensions: height 48 cm, width 67 cm, depth 42 cm.

The outside is entirely covered with Japanese newspaper fragments, advertisements, typography and illustrations on a warm beige background. This version has a striking graphic character, with densely arranged text blocks, advertising images and a larger pink advertisement on one side. The result is a lively, almost collage-like surface that feels vintage, playful and very stylish at the same time.

The newspaper covering has been varnished, giving the surface extra protection against wear and a beautiful, lightly glossy patina. The inside is lined with aluminium, which reflects its original function as a practical storage chest. Its sturdy shape, loose lid and spacious interior make it still highly usable today.

Thanks to its generous size, this chest is ideal as a decorative storage box for textiles, magazines, documents, shop materials or other objects. It also works beautifully as a plant stand, low display chest or characterful decorative element in an interior or retail space.

The chest is in beautiful vintage condition, with normal signs of age and small traces of use consistent with its age, material and function.

A unique and atmospheric Japanese object with a strong graphic presence. The combination of varnished newspaper, metal interior lining and Japanese typography makes this chest a distinctive interior accent for a Japanese, wabi-sabi, vintage, industrial or eclectic interior.