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Japanese Wabi-Sabi Primitive Zelkova Wood Stool 1860s-1900s / Side Chair Mingei

$1,500
£1,145.47
€1,372.64
CA$2,159.82
A$2,226.75
CHF 1,254.33
MX$28,494.02
NOK 14,473.65
SEK 15,138.59
DKK 10,264.01

About the Item

This is an antique wooden stool made in Japan. It is believed to date from the Meiji period (1860s–1900s). The piece is crafted from Keyaki (Japanese Zelkova), a hardwood renowned for its exceptional strength and beautiful grain. Carved from a substantial piece of solid wood, its impressive volume and distinctive form, dramatically narrowing at the center, give it a remarkably sculptural appearance. Although rustic and primitive in character, it possesses a powerful and captivating presence. This piece was discovered in an old Japanese farmhouse. Interestingly, it was originally used as a mortar for pounding grain. At some point in its long history, it was turned upside down and repurposed as a stool. Originally created as a practical agricultural tool, it has continued to serve different purposes over many generations. This transformation beautifully reflects the resourcefulness and enduring appeal of traditional Japanese folk objects. The present seating surface was originally the bottom of the mortar. It bears countless small holes and irregularities caused by insect activity in the distant past, creating a fascinating texture reminiscent of naturally eroded stone. Through many years of use as a stool, the wooden surface has become hard and compact. Despite its weathered appearance, it is not as fragile as it may seem. Very little wood dust is produced, and the piece remains sufficiently sturdy and functional for use as a stool today. Another particularly striking feature is the large crack running through the body, which has been reinforced with traditional iron staples. Several rusted iron staples were driven into the wood to hold the split sections together. These simple yet expressive repairs preserve tangible evidence of an older Japanese way of life, when damaged objects were carefully repaired and continued to be used rather than discarded. The combination of deeply aged, dark brown Keyaki wood and weathered, rusted iron creates an extraordinary visual character that could never be authentically reproduced in contemporary furniture. The piece has been thoroughly cleaned with water and disinfected, so it is ready to be enjoyed in your home. The cracks, worn surfaces, traces of historic insect activity, and old repairs have all become essential elements of its beauty. This remarkable object strongly embodies the Japanese aesthetic philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection, the passage of time, and the natural aging of materials. Please note that, due to the considerable age of the wood, a small amount of wood dust may occasionally fall from the piece, particularly during unpacking. We kindly ask for your understanding. More than simply an antique stool, this is a unique sculptural object that preserves the history of Japanese rural life, traditional craftsmanship, and generations of thoughtful reuse. The item will be carefully packed and shipped safely from Japan. Seat Dimensions: Approximately 340mm × 305 mm. Weight: 15.5 kg
  • Similar to:
    Axel Vervoordt (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14.97 in (38 cm)Width: 15.36 in (39 cm)Depth: 14.57 in (37 cm)
  • Style:
    Primitive (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Wood,Woodwork
  • Place of Origin:
    Japan
  • Period:
    1860-1869
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1860s-1900s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chōsei District Nagara, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10403252497702

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