Vintage Wooden Book Rack with Children’s Paintings, Japan, 1990s.

Dimensions: height 15 cm, width 44 cm, depth 21 cm.

On one side a cheerful blue elephant is painted against a sky with little clouds, with Japanese text underneath that mentions “Heisei 10” (1998) and a class reference – a creative project by a Japanese school class. The other side shows warm brown and ochre tones with mushrooms and a small sleeping mouse, almost like a tiny fairytale scene. The paintings have that charming, slightly naïve touch that immediately recalls children’s books and school projects.

Thanks to the practical size it is easy to move and place anywhere. Ideal for children’s books, magazines or comics in a kid’s room, but also great on a workspace or in a studio where you want to add a playful Japanese accent.