{"product_id":"early-20th-century-japanese-export-dragon-desk-stool","title":"Early 20th Century Japanese Export Dragon Desk \u0026 Stool","description":"\u003cp\u003eA large and highly decorative carved hardwood desk with matching stool, dating to the early 20th century and very much in the spirit of the late Meiji \/ Taishō export period. An impressive and theatrical piece blending Japanese carving traditions with Western influence, likely produced for the European or American export market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe desk is richly adorned throughout with deeply carved dragons, geometric fretwork and textured lattice panels, all displaying strong hand-finished character and excellent visual depth. Particularly striking is the elaborate raised gallery back featuring opposing dragons surrounding a carved ribbon cartouche bearing the unusual inscription “NON SONO SED DONO” — a curious pseudo-classical motto typical of the romantic East-meets-West styling seen in high quality export furniture of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wonderful surviving feature is the original matching stool, with the desk itself designed around its use, including a shaped lower knee opening that would not comfortably accommodate a standard chair. The lattice side supports are traditionally mortice and tenon joined, further pointing toward quality workshop construction rather than later decorative reproduction work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe desk retains consistent aged iron hardware with old oxidised slotted screws and hand-finished hinge recesses throughout. Construction appears to utilise mixed hardwoods, common in Japanese export furniture of the era, with dense carved timbers combined alongside lighter secondary woods for structural elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn exceptional interior statement piece with huge visual presence — ideal for collectors of Japanese export furniture, maximalist interiors, film\/set design or boutique commercial spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood antique condition overall with age-related wear, surface marks and patina consistent with age and use. Structurally solid and displays beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall height 111cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth 130cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepth 76cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesk height 70cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to the size and weight shipping will be by special courier and will require a degree of communication\/flexibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollection from our East Cheshire Studio Welcome.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"InglewoodDesign","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56266173481339,"sku":null,"price":925.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0611\/3958\/3159\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_ae88c081-451b-4a05-aab7-c3afef2a9c69.jpg?v=1779539895","url":"https:\/\/inglewooddesign.co.uk\/products\/early-20th-century-japanese-export-dragon-desk-stool","provider":"InglewoodDesign","version":"1.0","type":"link"}