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Japanese Old Tree Stump Stool 1950s-1970s / Sculptural Pedestal Wabi Sabi

$800
£604.81
€724.46
CA$1,138.50
A$1,163.53
CHF 664.42
MX$15,140.13
NOK 7,591.70
SEK 7,912.71
DKK 5,415.22

About the Item

This is a vintage Japanese tree stump stool and display pedestal, crafted from a naturally formed section of solid wood. The piece is believed to date from the mid-Showa period, circa 1950s–1970s. While preserving much of the tree’s original organic form, the upper and lower surfaces were leveled to transform the natural trunk into a functional piece of furniture. The exact species of wood cannot be identified with certainty; however, judging from its substantial weight, dense surface, and the appearance of the end grain, it is believed to be a type of hardwood. The most compelling feature of this piece is the extraordinary character that the wood has developed over many decades. The surface retains numerous old holes and intricate traces left by insects in the distant past. These marks intersect with deep vertical grooves running through the wood, creating a richly textured landscape reminiscent of an abstract sculpture. What might originally have been regarded simply as damage to the wood has, through the passage of time, become a unique form of natural ornamentation found only on this particular piece. There is no evidence of active woodworm, and the piece can be used with confidence. The entire surface has developed a deep black coloration. Light falling across its irregular texture creates dramatic shadows, giving the piece a quiet presence reminiscent of charred ancient timber or the rugged surface of natural stone. Rather than excessively reshaping the material, the maker preserved the irregular contours, scars, and natural characteristics of the original tree, allowing the wood itself to define the sculptural form. Another fascinating feature is that the piece works beautifully in either orientation. In its conventional position, it retains the powerful appearance of a solid tree stump. When turned upside down, however, the silhouette and visual balance change considerably, emphasizing its character as an abstract sculptural object. It can therefore be displayed in whichever orientation best suits the surrounding space and intended use. In addition to functioning as a stool, it would work beautifully as a display pedestal, side table, plant stand, or small display table for ceramics and sculptural objects. Even when placed alone in a contemporary interior, it creates a distinctive presence somewhere between a natural object and an abstract sculpture. By embracing rather than concealing its scars, old insect traces, irregularities, and imperfections created through decades of aging, this piece beautifully embodies the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi—an appreciation for imperfection, natural transformation, and the visible passage of time. It will be carefully packed and shipped safely from Japan. Seat top size: 270mm×270mm Weight: 19 kg
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 20.87 in (53 cm)Width: 13.39 in (34 cm)Depth: 11.82 in (30 cm)
  • Style:
    Primitive (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Wood,Woodwork
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1950s-1970s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chōsei District Nagara, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10403251852452

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