Antique Japanese 'Shou Sugi Ban' Low Cedar Coffee Table, 19th Century

Description

An extraordinary 19th century antique Japanese low table constructed from an incredible and substantial, old growth cedar plank, with 4 … more An extraordinary 19th century antique Japanese low table constructed from an incredible and substantial, old growth cedar plank, with 4 out swept legs. This piece was made in Japan, likely in the late 1800s to 1900.
The table is finished with a technique called "Shou Sugi Ban", a Japanese technique of preserving wood. The surface is charred with fire and then sanded back to a smooth surface. The technique has been used to dramatically enhance the appearance of the table's surface, accentuating the swirling grain of the cedar. Making this table even more stunning are the three masterfully inlayed bowties and the large dark know which is carefully off-centered. A truly wonderful and seriously old example of this traditional Japanese design. The table has no no nails or screws. It is all dowel and joint construction. That said, all joints have been glued and stabilized and the table is fantastically sturdy. The wood is so smooth to the touch, and is enhanced by a soft, glowing patina which only comes from many decades of use. less