Bought in Japan in the 60’s figures are carved and raised
Coffee table 30x18x13 Desk 36x16x43
Hello, this item is a Japanese export trunk and matching desk set, handcrafted in hardwood and inlaid with carved figures, dating to the 1960s. The panels feature raised and hand-painted figural scenes, likely made from bone, ivory substitute, or composition material set against lacquered black backgrounds. These designs were characteristic of postwar Japanese decorative furniture made for Western buyers, often produced in Yokohama or Kyoto workshops that specialized in combining traditional motifs with functional forms. The brass mounts, corner reinforcements, and lockplate details further confirm its export-oriented craftsmanship.
In terms of value, this type of Japanese inlaid furniture typically ranges between 500 and 900 USD at auction, depending on condition and the quality of carving. Sets with matching coffee tables and desks, like yours, can reach 1,000–1,200 USD in retail settings, particularly if the lacquer and figures are well preserved and the glass top remains intact. Collectors appreciate these pieces for their cultural charm and decorative versatility, though the market remains moderate due to the quantity produced during the 1960s.