Takahashi San Francisco Cast Iron and Ceramic Tile Trivet

Story

During the post-war design boom, San Francisco importer Henri Takahashi began sourcing high-quality, whimsical homewares from Japanese artisans. This piece brought the clean, cheerful aesthetic of mid-century modernism straight into the heart of the American family kitchen.

Maker / Origin

Henri and Tomoye Takahashi were pioneering Japanese-American merchants who opened their first retail store in San Francisco in the late 1940s. They became legendary for introducing beautiful, functional, and affordable Japanese design—ranging from lacquerware to fine ceramics—to the Western market, leaving a lasting impact on mid-century interior design.

Condition & Value

The ceramic tile is in excellent condition with no visible cracks or major crazing. The painted cast-iron frame shows minor wear, light scuffing, and tiny spots of paint loss consistent with age and light use. The original red 'Made in Japan' foil sticker is still present on the reverse, which is a great plus for collectors.