Table Stand - Music box - Japan - 1940-1950






Holds a bachelor's degree in history of art and architecture, with 12 years of experience in decorative arts.
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Japanese wooden table stand with a hand-painted ceramic tile, dating from 1940–1950, in excellent condition and with a working mechanical music box that plays Swan Lake.
Description from the seller
A charming and highly decorative Japanese musical trivet or table stand, dating from the mid-20th century. This unusual object combines practical functionality with entertaining table-side charm and reflects the popularity of musical household accessories during Japan’s post-war export era.
The centerpiece consists of a vibrant hand-painted ceramic tile depicting a magnificent Golden Pheasant among blooming chrysanthemums, executed in rich enamel colors against a striking cobalt-blue crackle-glazed background. The tile is mounted in an elegant hardwood frame, crafted from Japanese Katsura wood, featuring a finely executed faux-carved border inspired by Art Nouveau motifs.
The stand is elevated on four turned wooden feet, giving it a refined and architectural appearance.
Originally designed as a luxury table accessory, the stand could be used to support a warm teapot, coffee pot, serving dish or decorative object while protecting the table surface. Hidden inside is a mechanical music box that plays Tchaikovsky’s famous Swan Lake.
Condition
Renewed musical mechanism in excellent working order and plays correctly.
Pressure-activated start/stop mechanism functions as intended.
Ceramic tile retains vivid colors and attractive original crackle glaze.
No visible chips, cracks or repairs to the tile.
Hardwood frame displays a beautiful age patina with minor wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions
Approx. 5 x 24 x 24 cm (h x w x d)
Weight
Approx. 1.8 kg
Seller's Story
A charming and highly decorative Japanese musical trivet or table stand, dating from the mid-20th century. This unusual object combines practical functionality with entertaining table-side charm and reflects the popularity of musical household accessories during Japan’s post-war export era.
The centerpiece consists of a vibrant hand-painted ceramic tile depicting a magnificent Golden Pheasant among blooming chrysanthemums, executed in rich enamel colors against a striking cobalt-blue crackle-glazed background. The tile is mounted in an elegant hardwood frame, crafted from Japanese Katsura wood, featuring a finely executed faux-carved border inspired by Art Nouveau motifs.
The stand is elevated on four turned wooden feet, giving it a refined and architectural appearance.
Originally designed as a luxury table accessory, the stand could be used to support a warm teapot, coffee pot, serving dish or decorative object while protecting the table surface. Hidden inside is a mechanical music box that plays Tchaikovsky’s famous Swan Lake.
Condition
Renewed musical mechanism in excellent working order and plays correctly.
Pressure-activated start/stop mechanism functions as intended.
Ceramic tile retains vivid colors and attractive original crackle glaze.
No visible chips, cracks or repairs to the tile.
Hardwood frame displays a beautiful age patina with minor wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions
Approx. 5 x 24 x 24 cm (h x w x d)
Weight
Approx. 1.8 kg
