Edo furniture was created during a flourishing time for the decorative arts owing to the stability of the Tokugawa shogunate rule in Japan. Spanning from 1603 to 1867, this era of peace and economic growth supported artistic advancements in lacquer, woodblock printing, porcelain and other artisanal trades. Because the country was largely isolated, there was little outside influence, leading to centuries of exceptional attention to the design of its furnishings and the quality of its traditional arts.
Unlike during the Meiji period that followed, with an increase in domestic and international markets, furniture during the Edo period was predominately commissioned by the ruling class, although people from across social groups benefited from the burgeoning metropolitan hubs for artisanal trades. For instance, Kyoto became a major center for lacquer art. Most furniture pieces were made from wood such as cedar or ash, including the era’s sashimono cabinets, which involved fine joinery and were rooted in the Heian period.
Sashimono cabinets, which were built by master craftsmen in a range of different wood types owing to the various trees that populate Japan, occasionally featured a stack of slender drawers as well as sliding doors. They were popular with everyone from samurai to kabuki actors. Tansu storage chests crafted from wood with metal fittings were also common in Edo-period homes. Some were designed to be easily portable while others were made to double as staircases.
Painted folding screens, called byōbu, were also fashionable, with Japanese artists inspired by nature, literature and scenes of history and daily life to create vivid works. In Buddhist temples and the palatial homes of the aristocratic class, fusuma, or large sliding panels, would sometimes be adorned with gold or silver leaf. These dividers allowed interiors to change throughout the day, closing in small spaces for personal use or reflecting candlelight to illuminate communal spaces after dark.
Find a collection of Edo tables, lighting, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Edo Japanese Solid Keyaki Low Writing Desk, Aged Black Urushi, 1820s–1850s
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Dating to the late Edo period, circa 1820s–1850s, this Japanese low writing desk is crafted from thick, solid keyaki (Japanese zelkova), one of Japan’s most valued traditional hardwo...
Wood, Hardwood
Japanese Export Lacquer and Abalone Inlaid Tilt-Top Stand, Nagasaki, circa 1840
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exquisite circa 1840 Japanese export tilt-top table or stand of Nagasaki manufacture having allover abalone inlay in black lacquer, the top with with male and female 'Japanese gre...
Brass
Petite Edo Japanese Wabi-Sabi Black Urushi Keyaki Zelkova Low Table Late 19th
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
A small, quietly endearing antique low table crafted from solid Japanese Keyaki Zelkova, circa 1820s - 1850s, Late Edo period. Modest in scale and simple in form, it reflects a time...
Wood, Hardwood
19th C. Edo Money Chest Iron-Riveted " Zenibako"/ Trunk Table Pedestals Wabisabi
Located in 足利市, JP
A strikingly imposing 19th-century late Edo-period merchant’s security money chest (Zenibako), originating from the maritime merchant culture of the Niigata and Sado Island region a...
Iron
Japanese Antique Paper-Covered Low Writing Desk 1857s / Low Table Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a very old Japanese low writing desk covered with paper. Within its simple and restrained presence resides a quiet tension and spiritual depth that only furniture shaped by l...
Copper
Contemporary Japanese Console with Folding Screen Zen Japanese Modern
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Early Dawn Collection: STILLIFE A console table that using a wooden box that stores two Japanese gold folding screens. It is a new histor...
Brass
$15,950
H 34.25 in W 78 in D 18 in
Modern Grey Console with Brass Drawers Fulton Console by Joseph Jeup
Located in North York, ON
The Fulton Console by Joseph Jeup is the perfect addition to any modern space. This sleek and stylish console table features brass drawer fronts and hardware, walnut woods, and a str...
Brass
Chinese Low Kang Table, C. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
During winter in the colder provinces of China, life revolved around the kang, a heated brick platform that household members would sit or recline upon. Low tables placed atop the kang provided a convenient surface for dining, drinking tea, or playing games. Crafted of beautiful hardwood, this low kang table...
Hardwood
$900
H 23.82 in W 24.22 in D 12.6 in
Japanese Antique Black Box / Side Table Exhibition Stand / 1868-1912s/ Wabi-sabi
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old wooden storage box made in Japan. It is thought to date from around the Meiji period and is made of cedar. It has a simple design with no metal fittings. The overall m...
Wood, Cedar
Japanese Antique Low Table 1860s-1920s / Sofa Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a rare old Japanese wooden low table, believed to date from the late Meiji period to the Taisho period, circa 1860s to 1920s. The tabletop is made from a single solid slab o...
Wood
On Hold|$1,800
H 11.7 in W 41.86 in D 29.14 in
Japanese Vintage Low Table in Cedar and Ash, Showa Period, Wabi Sabi, Mingei
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
Japanese Vintage Low Table, Showa Period, Wabi Sabi, Mingei This Japanese vintage low table was crafted in the Showa Period (1926-1989). Made from a combination of sugi (Japanese c...
Ash, Cedar, Lacquer
Japanese Low Table, Wabi-sabi, 1920s, Japan
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
The antique low table, that was crafted from old Japanese wood. The top panel has been roughly shaved and showcases various marks and scratches that tell a story of its history. It...
Wood
$1,800
H 9.06 in W 39.38 in D 24.81 in
Japanese Antique Brutalist Low Table 1900s-1940s / Side Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This low table boasts an impressive organic form, seemingly a direct reflection of natural shapes. The powerful wood grain, characteristic of a single slab, and the subtle black tex...
Wood
$1,100
H 11.54 in W 43.31 in D 22.25 in
Antique Japanese chestnut low table / 1868-1926 / Wabi-sabi coffee table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old low table thought to have been made in Japan around the Meiji to Taisho periods (1868-1926). The tabletop is made from a single solid board of chestnut wood. Judging f...
Hardwood, Chestnut
$1,699
H 25.79 in W 43.71 in D 23.63 in
Danish Antique Handcrafted Baroque Style Coffee Table of Solid Oak 1850s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish high baroque style coffee table of solid oak with drawer. Handcrafted by a Danish cabinetmaker in the 1850s, with hand-turned bobbing legs and connecting bar between the two s...
Oak
$2,020
H 7.09 in W 18.11 in D 18.11 in
Japanese Antique Wooden Block Low table・Stool 1860s-1900s / Primitive Wabi Sabi
Located in 足利市, JP
This extraordinary Meiji-period low table (Banshaku-dai / Ko-tsukue) is a masterpiece of Japanese rustic minimalism, hand-carved from a single, massive block of precious Zelkova wood...
Wood
$1,850
H 29.73 in W 41.42 in D 29.14 in
Japanese Antique Writing Desk, Keyaki Wood, Early Showa Period (1926-1936s)
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This Japanese antique desk was crafted in the Taisho Era (1912-1926). Made entirely of keyaki (Japanese zelkova), the desk showcases the warm color and expressive grain for which th...
Brass
$2,740
H 10.039 in W 24.606 in D 30.315 in L 10.039 in
Japanese Antique Yakushima Cedar Table top・Root Low Table 1900s-1940s／Wabi Sabi
Located in 足利市, JP
This monumental, museum-quality low table is a breathtaking masterpiece of Japanese Wabi-Sabi aesthetic, seamlessly marrying two of Japan’s most revered sacred timbers: Yakushima Ced...
Wood
$1,930
H 15.36 in W 45.52 in D 19.69 in
Japanese Antique Keyaki Low Table, Meiji Era (1868-1912), Wabi Sabi, Mingei
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This Japanese antique low table was crafted in the Meiji Era (1868-1912). Made of keyaki (Japanese zelkova), the table showcases the rich grain, warmth, and durability for which thi...
Wood
$800
H 10.24 in W 33.86 in D 11.26 in
Antique Japanese cedar writing desk / Meiji-Taisho era / Soot-darkened table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an antique wooden table thought to have been used in ordinary homes and farmhouses in Japan sometime between the Meiji and Taisho eras. In Japanese, this type of furniture is...
Softwood, Cedar
$2,100
H 10.44 in W 52.56 in D 53.55 in
Japanese Antique Wood Low Table , Primitive Low Table , Wabi Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique low table from the Taisho period. The table top is made of five pieces of Shurizakura wood with beautiful grain, and its rich expression captivates the viewer. In...
Wood
Sold
H 9.85 in W 36.23 in D 13.19 in
Japanese antique wooden wabi-sabi low table / 1850-1912 / "Fu-zukue"
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This wooden writing desk, known as a "Fu-zukue", dates back to the late Edo to Meiji period. Tatami culture has long been an integral part of Japanese life, where people sat on the ...
Cedar
Sold
H 8.08 in W 18.78 in D 16.15 in
Edo Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Live Edge Keyaki Low Coffee Table, Mid-19th C
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
A small, quietly elegant antique low table, crafted from a thick live-edge slab of solid Japanese keyaki zelkova wood, dating from the Late Edo period, circa the 1850s to late 1860s....
Wood, Hardwood
Sold
H 14.97 in W 27.76 in D 18.31 in
Japanese antique wooden storage box, Late Edo period , wabi-sabi coffee table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This piece is believed to be a wooden storage chest known as a karabi-bitsu, made in Japan during the late Edo period (approximately the 18th–19th century). The karabi-bitsu is a tra...
Cedar, Cypress
Sold
H 9.85 in W 34.45 in D 9.06 in
Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Low Table Edo period 1800s-1860s / Side Table
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese low table, crafted during the Edo period (1800s–1860s). It is a rare piece of furniture that has survived through the centuries to the present day. Made of su...
Cedar
Sold
H 9.45 in W 36.42 in D 13.78 in
1800s - 1860s Edo Japanese antique chestnut low coffee table wabi sabi primitive
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
New finds from Kura (traditional style warehouse) in Yamagata pref., Tohoku area, Japan. This antique low writing desk is a product of 1800s - 1860s (late Edo era), estimate from the style and conditions. Made of thick, sturdy single solid chestnut wood boards. Can be used as coffee table, display table etc. Yamagata pref. is known to rich woodcraft cultures. The most known products are bold but elaborate, premium Tansu furnitures...
Wood, Chestnut
Sold
H 10.04 in W 37.8 in D 14.57 in
1860s Edo Japanese antique wabi sabi low writing desk primitive coffee table
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
From Tohoku area, Japan. This antique low writing desk is a product of late Edo era. estimate from the style and conditions. Made of Hinoki cypress, original urushi lacquer still rem...
Wood, Cypress
Japanese antique wooden black low table / 1850-1912 / Edo-Meiji
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
I have just received a very attractive Japanese low table. This is a wooden writing desk made between the end of the Edo period and the Meiji period. A writing desk is a small table ...
Cedar
Sold
H 9.26 in W 58.86 in D 30.32 in
Japanese Antique Low Table / Sofa Table / 1800-1868s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese low table. Originally, there was a box at the top of this, and it was used to store and transport household goods called "Nagamochi", and it was actively use...
Wood, Cedar, Pine
Sold
H 10.44 in W 35.83 in D 14.57 in
Japanese antique wooden wabi-sabi low table / 1850-1912 / "fu-zukue"
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This wooden writing desk, known as a "Fu-zukue", dates back to the late Edo to Meiji period. Tatami culture has long been an integral part of Japanese life, where people sat on the ...
Cedar
Sold
H 10.75 in W 35.04 in D 10.83 in
Japanese antique wooden wabi-sabi low table / 1850-1912 / "fu-zukue"
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a wooden low table made from the end of the Edo period to around the Meiji period. Since ancient times, Japan has had a tatami room culture, where people sat down to do what...
Cedar
Japanese antique wooden Wabi Sabi low table/1800-1920/sofa table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
I would like to introduce a very interesting low table. This item was made during the late Edo period to the Meiji period in Japan. Originally, it is believed that a wooden drawer or...
Chestnut
Japanese old wooden low table/ wabisabi coffee table/1850-1920
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This Japanese antique wooden black low table was made between the late Edo and Meiji periods. All materials are cedar wood. Cedar has been a common wood used for tools and furniture ...
Cedar
Japanese old wooden low table/ wabisabi coffee table/1850-1920
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This Japanese antique wooden black low table was made between the late Edo and Meiji periods. All materials are cedar wood. Cedar has been a common wood used for tools and furniture ...
Cedar
Sold
H 11.03 in W 53.75 in D 14.38 in
Japanese Antique Old Wooden Low Table / Coffee Table 1830s-1868s Wabi Sabi
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese desk. In the Edo period, it was used by children to learn to read and write in a place called Terakoya, and it is also called "Tenjin desk". "Tenjin" refers...
Wood
Sold
H 9.61 in W 38.27 in D 13 in
Japanese old wooden low table/wabisabi coffee table/1850-1920/sofa table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an antique Japanese wooden black low table made from the late Edo period to the Meiji period. All materials are cedar wood. Cedar is a tree that has been commonly used for Ja...
Cedar