Antique Japanese Ko tansu, Taisho, approximately 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-0403

Antique Japanese Ko tansu, Taisho, approximately 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-0403

A remarkably wide and low antique Ko tansu in richly aged wood, with iron strapping and brass lockplates -- a commanding piece of Japanese antique furniture built for serious, organized storage.

A Ko tansu is a compact Japanese storage chest, traditionally used to organize documents, small goods, tools, or valuables at floor level -- perfectly suited to Japan's seated lifestyle. This Taisho-era example is unusually wide and low in profile, presenting a broad horizontal face divided into three distinct columns of drawers in varying sizes. The outermost columns each carry a stack of smaller drawers fitted with circular brass lockplates and iron drop-ring pulls, while the central section features wider, shallower drawers with plain iron drop-ring handles. The overall construction is solid and purposeful: iron edge strapping reinforces every corner and runs along the top perimeter, and carry holes are cut directly into the top surface for portability -- a hallmark of handcrafted Japanese furniture built to be moved as well as used. The wood displays a warm, dark amber grain consistent with well-aged softwood, deeply burnished by over a century of handling and natural patina.

Today, this Ko tansu translates beautifully into modern interiors. Its ultra-low profile and generous width make it an ideal living room accent -- place it beneath a wall-mounted television as a media console, use it as a Japandi-style sideboard in an entryway, or let it anchor a bedroom as a low dresser for folded garments and accessories. The many drawers offer ample home office storage for stationery, small tools, or craft supplies. Its wabi-sabi aesthetic -- all honest wood, aged iron, and brass -- pairs effortlessly with minimalist decor, mid-century modern interiors, or any space that values materials with genuine history. A standout housewarming gift or collector's piece for anyone who appreciates antique Japanese furniture with a strong, functional character.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taisho, approximately 1912-1926
• Material: Aged softwood (consistent with sugi/cedar or similar), iron strapping and corner fittings, circular brass lockplates, iron drop-ring pulls
• Use: Low multi-drawer storage chest (Ko tansu) for documents, tools, or small goods at floor level
• Modern Use: Low media console or TV stand in a living room; Japandi-style entryway sideboard; bedroom low dresser or home office storage organizer
• Features: Exceptionally wide, low horizontal form; three-column drawer arrangement with drawers of varying sizes; circular brass lockplates on flanking drawers; plain iron drop-ring pulls on central drawers; iron edge and corner strapping throughout; carry holes cut into top surface; deep, rich aged patina overall
• Dimensions: 33 1/2"W x 12"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and striking piece of antique Japanese furniture -- this Taisho-era Ko tansu brings authentic wabi-sabi character and extraordinary storage to any modern home.

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 antique 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.