Antique Japanese Isho Tansu Clothing Chest, Meiji Period, 1868-1911 | SKU: 26J-B0039

Antique Japanese Isho Tansu Clothing Chest, Meiji Period, 1868-1911 | SKU: 26J-B0039

A commanding two-section antique tansu chest clad in bold forged iron hardware -- a rare survivor of Meiji-era Japanese antique furniture craftsmanship.

An isho tansu is a traditional Japanese clothing chest designed to store folded kimono and layered garments in wide, shallow drawers that keep delicate fabrics smooth and wrinkle-free. Built during the Meiji period (1868-1911), this handcrafted Japanese tansu is constructed in the classic two-section stacking format that allowed households to transport the chest in manageable units when moving. The warm honey-toned kiri wood (paulownia) body is dramatically dressed in hand-forged iron strap fittings, decorative corner reinforcements, and a large circular iron lock plate centered on the upper cabinet doors -- a hallmark of the era's most accomplished regional tansu makers. Every iron fitting is hand-nailed and shaped with scalloped and pierced detailing that elevates the piece from mere furniture to functional sculpture. The interior drawers retain their original unfinished wood surfaces, a hallmark of authentic Japanese antique furniture construction.

Today this isho tansu translates effortlessly into a modern home. Its generous width and multiple pull-out drawers make it an exceptional bedroom dresser -- an heirloom-quality alternative to mass-produced chests -- while its bold iron ironwork and warm wood tones make it equally striking as an entryway console beneath a mirror or alongside a bench. Style it in a Japandi-inspired living room as a media credenza or display surface, and let its wabi-sabi aesthetic do the decorating. The upper hinged cabinet section conceals additional storage, keeping everyday clutter out of sight. A meaningful housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture, this isho tansu carries over a century of quiet history into any space it occupies.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Meiji period, 1868-1911
• Material: Kiri wood (paulownia); hand-forged iron hardware throughout
• Use: Isho tansu -- traditional Japanese clothing chest for storing folded kimono and garments
• Modern Use: Bedroom dresser or clothing storage chest; entryway console with display surface; living room credenza or media cabinet in a Japandi-style interior
• Features: Two-section stacking construction; upper cabinet with hinged doors and large circular iron lock plate; multiple drawers in lower section, each fitted with iron ring pulls; decorative cut-iron strap fittings and corner reinforcements throughout; rectangular iron side carrying handles on each section; clean unfinished wood drawer interiors
• Dimensions: 34 1/4"W x 17 1/4"D x 40"H
• Condition: Excellent

A masterpiece of Meiji-era Japanese antique furniture -- where centuries-old ironwork craft and the quiet beauty of kiri wood meet the needs of a 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.