Mid-20th Century Japanese Lacquered Bar Cabinet With Hand-Painted Panels and Expanding Top

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Description

This exceptional and 100% authentic Japanese bar cabinet is a refined example of mid-century Japanese craftsmanship, combining functional ingenuity with … Read more This exceptional and 100% authentic Japanese bar cabinet is a refined example of mid-century Japanese craftsmanship, combining functional ingenuity with decorative artistry. Crafted in solid hardwood with a warm, richly grained finish, the cabinet showcases the natural beauty of the wood while maintaining a strong architectural presence.

The doors feature hand-painted lacquer panels depicting elegant floral arrangements in ceramic vases, rendered against a deep black lacquer ground. The composition, color balance, and fine detailing are characteristic of high-quality Japanese lacquer work from the mid-20th century, blending traditional motifs with a refined, export-era aesthetic.

The cabinet is thoughtfully designed as a fully functional bar. The top surface opens and folds, revealing a stone insert (marble or granite) that provides a durable, heat- and spill-resistant work surface for drink preparation. When closed, the top sits flush, preserving the clean and sculptural profile of the piece.

Behind the doors, the interior reveals an ingenious and highly functional layout. One side incorporates rotating internal storage, allowing a decorative panel to swivel and reveal additional shelving for glasses and bottles—an elegant space-saving mechanism typical of premium Japanese cabinetry. Both doors are unusually substantial, each approximately 6 inches thick, as they integrate additional storage within the doors themselves.

Interior features include:
Built-in bottle rack
Circular holders for bottles or decanters
Shelving specifically designed for barware and glass storage

The cabinet rests on casters, allowing it to glide smoothly for easy repositioning despite its solid construction, while remaining stable once placed.

A rare and highly decorative piece that balances beauty, craftsmanship, and functionality, ideal for collectors of Japanese furniture, refined interiors, or statement bar cabinetry. See less