Mid 20th Century Small Old Japanese Low Table Made of Zelkova Wood/Modern Side Table

Details

Description

This mini low table is a one-of-a-kind combination piece, assembled from two old Japanese work tables. Its tabletop and base … Read more This mini low table is a one-of-a-kind combination piece, assembled from two old Japanese work tables. Its tabletop and base come from separate zelkova (keyaki) work tables with different origins, brought together to create a construction unlike anything else.

The tabletop is made from a single, remarkably thick slab of zelkova—19.5cm thick—that once served as a work table. Notches cut into both ends allowed fingers to grip and lift it, suggesting it was moved from place to place depending on the task at hand. It is not possible to say exactly what kind of craftsman used this table, but this general form is a very orthodox shape for Japanese work tables, one that is seen relatively often. That said, a zelkova work table this large, this thick, and with this much substantial weight rarely comes onto the market, making it a relatively rare find. Despite having served as a work table, it shows little sign of heavy use, and the surface remains in relatively beautiful condition, allowing you to fully appreciate the wood grain that is so distinctive of zelkova.

The base is also made of zelkova, taken from a work table of a distinctive shape. It is not clear exactly what kind of work it was originally used for, but it displays a striking grain pattern reminiscent of bamboo shoots—a hallmark figure of zelkova wood—giving it a compelling presence. This base has been finished with a natural lacquer to give it a darkened, near-black tone. By deliberately creating this contrast between the natural wood tone of the zelkova tabletop and the blackened base, the piece has been transformed into a refined mini low table that highlights the beauty of the material itself.

Although compact in size, the tabletop alone weighs approximately 27kg, and combined with the base, the piece has excellent stability. It can easily and reliably support items such as a floor lamp or a laptop computer. Its presence fits comfortably into minimal, modern interiors, and blends just as naturally into more industrial, pared-back spaces—making it a piece that suits a wide range of settings.

On one side of the tabletop, near the finger notch, you will find traces of old insect damage, but please be assured that there are no active insects at present. Zelkova is an extremely hard wood, so there is no risk of pieces flaking off or the wood crumbling. We hope you will enjoy this trace, too, as part of the accumulated memory of the era this work table has passed through.

Above all, the beautiful bamboo-shoot-like grain that spreads across the tabletop—one of zelkova's most defining characteristics—is truly captivating, and this is a piece we can recommend with full confidence. Because combining two old work tables of different origins depends so heavily on timing and chance encounters with the right materials, it is almost impossible to recreate this same pairing again. In that sense, this is a truly once-in-a-lifetime combination piece. We warmly invite you to bring the history and culture carried by these old Japanese work tools into your own space.

Size: W51.5cm × D37.3cm × H34-34.5cm
Weight: 35.7kg (Tabletop: 26.9kg + Base: 8.8kg)
Item No.: TA145

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