Vintage Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest With Glass Doors And Storage Drawers - 1980s (25D-C017)

Vintage Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest With Doors And Storage Drawers, Glass (SKU 25D-C017)

cha tansu with glass-front display, shoji-style backing, and richly figured keyaki grain.

This handsome vintage cha tansu (tea chest) was crafted for the Japanese chashitsu or everyday dining room, where tea utensils and serving ware were kept beautifully in order. The cabinet showcases a warm reddish-brown finish that highlights the swirling grain of the hardwood, framed by softly rounded edges that speak to careful hand-finishing. Sliding glass doors reveal a display compartment, ideal for chawan, yunomi, or treasured ceramics, while multiple cubbies and cupboards provide discreet storage.

Behind the open section sits a shoji-inspired lattice back with a sculptural zigzag shelf, a classic decorative feature of cha tansu that adds movement and asymmetry in the spirit of wabi-sabi. Below, a bank of three drawers with ornate iron pulls balances sliding doors fitted with circular iron warabite-style hardware, giving the piece both visual rhythm and practical organization. Equally at home in a traditional tokonoma-style alcove or a contemporary interior, this tea chest offers authentic Japanese character and versatile storage.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1980s
• Material: Hardwood (likely keyaki/zelkova) with glass and iron fittings
• Use: Cha tansu tea chest for storing and displaying tea utensils, tableware, and small objects
• Features: Sliding glass doors; shoji-style lattice back; sculptural zigzag display shelf; multiple sliding-door cupboards; three storage drawers with ornate iron pulls; rich figured grain and warm lacquer finish
• Dimensions: 35 3/8"W x 16"D x 47 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent, with light wear and patina consistent with age

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique/vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.