Japanese Seated Shosai-Zukue Writing Desk with Tambour Door, 1920-1930

Details

Description

A rare Japanese writing desk with a dark patina, ribbed tambour door and a refined layout for writing materials, documents … Read more A rare Japanese writing desk with a dark patina, ribbed tambour door and a refined layout for writing materials, documents and small objects.

Dimensions: height 74 cm, width 97 cm, depth 67 cm.

This antique Japanese writing desk dates from the late Taishō to early Shōwa period. Designed for seated use, it can be described as a shosai-zukue, a Japanese study or writing desk. The upper writing section is closed with a ribbed wooden tambour door.

The layout is both practical and beautifully considered. On the right side are three spacious drawers with sober wooden handles. Beneath the writing surface is a separate compartment with two sliding doors. Behind the tambour door, the upper section contains several built-in compartments, a small drawer and open storage spaces for pens, paper, letters or small personal objects.

A particularly nice detail is the internal locking system: when the tambour door is closed, the drawers are also blocked. The key to fully lock the tambour door is no longer present. The desk consists of two sections that fit neatly together.

The wood has a deep dark brown to almost black patina, with visible grain, light wear along the edges and natural traces of use. The rounded sides of the tambour section, the horizontal ribbing and the restrained drawer fronts give the desk a strong graphic and architectural character.

Today, this is an exceptional interior piece: perfect as a compact writing desk, laptop desk, display furniture or decorative accent in a living room, studio, entrance hall or shop interior.

The desk is in good antique condition, with normal signs of use and patina consistent with age and use. See less