Antique Japanese Kimono Chest — 1920, Taisho Era (SKU: 25M-A301)

Antique Japanese Kimono Chest — Kiri Wood, 1920s, Taishō Era (SKU: 25M-A301)

Where folds of silk once breathed between cedar-scented drawers

Born in the cosmopolitan glow of the Taishō era, this elegant isho-dansu (kimono chest) once safeguarded seasonal silks and obi in a refined household. The stepped façade—sliding panels above, petite personal drawers at mid-level, a lockable double-door armoire, and two deep futon drawers below—mirrors the rhythm of Japanese daily life, where ceremony and simplicity coexist in perfect balance.

Crafted from feather-light kiri (paulownia) wood, the chest resists humidity while showcasing a warm honey grain. Wrought-iron hinges and chrysanthemum pulls add subtle drama; a working key still turns with satisfying precision. Today, it serves as both sculptural focal point and serene storage, inviting you to slow your morning ritual just long enough to feel the gentle weight of history.

• Origin: Japan

• Era: 1920s, Taishō period

• Material: Solid kiri (paulownia) with hand-forged iron fittings

• Use: Kimono, textile, or linen storage

• Features: Two sliding doors, three small drawers, central lockable cabinet, two full-width futon drawers, working key

• Dimensions: 35 1/2"W x 16 1/4"D x 63 3/4"H

• Condition: Excellent vintage condition; minor surface wear consistent with age

A vessel of quiet grace, it whispers of rustling silk and the poetry of well-ordered spaces.