Antique Japanese writing desk with drop leaf – Taishō period, Japan, circa 1920

Antique Japanese writing desk with a rectangular body and a drop-down front that transforms into a writing surface, featuring a lower body with sliding doors and three small side drawers. Originating from Japan during the Taishō era, when Japanese domestic furniture incorporated Western typologies — the closed desk, the secretary — without sacrificing local craftsmanship. The Japanese drop-front desk was born in the Meiji period and solidified in Taisho-Showa as a piece of domestic office furniture: merchants, officials, or heads of households had a closed space for account books and correspondence. The drop-down table system allowed for all equipment to be stored away when closed, giving the piece a neat and discreet silhouette. Details. Dimensions: Length 73 cm – Depth 37 cm – Height 75 cm. Style: Taishō Japanese. Materials and techniques: Cedar wood; iron fittings; drop front on hinges; sliding doors and drawers with button closures. Place of origin: Japan. Period: Taishō era. Date of manufacture: Circa 1920. Condition / Observations: Good. The upper door does not have a key and therefore does not close completely. Some signs of use. Wear consistent with age and use.