Japanese Tokonoma Display Base (2 items) (02/14/2011)

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Japanese Tokonoma Display Base (2 items)

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Japanese Tokonoma Display Base (2 items)

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Sold Date: 02/14/2011
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

This listing includes 2 items:
1) Floor standing base to create a “Tokonoma”-like / alcove-like display
2) Decorative base on which to place focal point item
1) Tokonoma Display Stand/Base (incorporating scroll storage drawer)
Strictly speaking a Tokonoma is an alcove within which decorative items are displayed and scrolls hung. While some houses (both Japanese and western) do have alcoves they are not usually distinct areas. This base which is placed on the floor, allows the user to create such a space (whether or not within an actual alcove) in order to achieve the same objective.
The base covers a floor space of about 42” x 15.75” with the display platform rising about 6” from the floor. The 4 mini-posts on each corner add another 3”. It weighs about 24 pounds.
I’m not sure what type of wood it was crafted from, but it is a rich golden color which is fairly well reproduced in the images attached. The top has been beautifully crafted to include different wood-grain patterns with some inlay work which adds to the visual interest.
The bottom-front of the unit has a pull-out full depth draw which is designed to store scrolls and other accessories when not in use.
I’m not sure how old it is, but my guess is that it is quite old with an age measured in decades rather than years. As you would expect from an item that has been used for many years it has a few cosmetic problems –a few surface scratches and a small “ding” on the front edge. The imperfections add a sense of age and character to the piece, but can be remedied if need be. A light sanding with a reapplication of varnish and it would gleam like new. But of course, what ever would be gained in terms of “perfection” would be lost in terms of character.
2) Decorative Display stand
This second base adds further to the visual interest of the display. It is made from the cross section of a tree. The main “field” of the piece (where you would expect to find the “rings” has been dyed with stunning black lacquer with the surrounding and side edges varnished to a golden hue.
It is an irregular shape, but the overall length reaches a maximum of about 28” and is 9” at it’s widest point. The main display area is a constant 1.75” thick. It is lacquered on both sides and weighs about 11 pounds.
Both sides are a little different in appearance and shape. On one side the original saw marks can be seen through the lacquer, while on the reverse side they have been sanded away prior to finishing.
Being a natural piece of wood there are many imperfections and irregularities. Also being a display stand, there are some minor scuffs and scratches to the finish. The photos show the items as though it were flawless -that's not the case. While the imperfections are mostly inconsequential and what a buyer would reasonably expect to find given the nature of the item, I point them out because I want to err on the side of more information rather than less.
This second display stand does not have to be used with the larger base; for example we have used it as a decorative stand in the middle of the dining room table and also on a table in the entry way. It works well with figurines, tea bowls as well as vases.
I have tried to be as descriptive as possible but if you have any questions or would like additional photos, them please send me an email.
(This listing does not include the scroll that is displayed. It is however available in a different ebay listing)
Shipping will be based on actual cost of sending via UPS Ground. Please note that the ebay calculation is subject to change. If you are sensitive to the shipping cost then please email before bidding.