Coffee table - Wood - Japan

Low table – Wood – Origin unconfirmed – Rectangular floor table

Large black-finished wooden low table with four outward-curving legs and shaped apron details, probably dating from the mid to late 20th century.

Description
This substantial rectangular low table has a simple architectural form, with a broad flat top, four slightly outward-curving legs and shaped cut-outs at the ends of the long apron sections.

The dark black-brown finish gives the table a restrained appearance suited to Japanese, wabi-sabi and contemporary interiors. A reddish-brown layer is visible beneath the black finish along several worn edges. The maker and age are unknown. Its proportions and construction are consistent with a Japanese-style floor table, but no signature, label or maker's mark has been identified.

The table can be used as a low coffee table, display table or decorative centrepiece. Its aged surface and visible wear form part of its character.

Material:
Wood. The wood species has not been identified. The dark surface coating has not been tested and cannot be confirmed as traditional urushi lacquer.

Technique:
Wooden construction with shaped legs, cut-out apron details and a dark applied finish. The precise joinery and finishing method have not been confirmed.

Condition:
Used condition with extensive surface scratches, rubbing, dull areas and marks across the tabletop. There are chips, losses and lifting to the finish along the edges and corners, with areas of the reddish-brown underlayer and pale wood exposed. The legs and apron also show scratches, scuffs, small impact marks and surface losses.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.