Antique Japanese Ko Tansu Small Chest With Distincitive Hirute Pull Hardware Drawers - 1910s Meiji Era (25D-G004)

Antique Japanese Ko Tansu Small Chest With Distincitive Hirute Pull Hardware Drawers (SKU 25D-G004)

Compact antique ko tansu chest with bold iron hirute pulls and circular lock plates

This handsome antique Japanese ko tansu is a small chest designed for personal storage, crafted in warm-toned solid wood and finished with robust forged-iron hardware. Three wide drawers are arranged above a bank of smaller drawers, creating a practical yet compact piece that sits beautifully on the floor, atop a larger tansu, or on a low platform. The front is punctuated by large round lock plates and distinctive hirute (leech-hand) drawer pulls, giving the chest a strong, graphic presence.

Corner brackets, side carrying handles, and strapwork reinforce the carcass in classic tansu fashion, while the interiors show the honest patina and wear of age. Likely used originally for clothing, documents, or merchant tools, this ko tansu now offers character-rich storage for modern living spaces, blending Meiji-era craftsmanship with a clean, minimal silhouette that complements both traditional and contemporary interiors.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Meiji period (late 19th–early 20th century)
• Material: Solid softwood with forged iron hardware
• Use: Ko tansu small chest for clothing, documents, or general storage
• Features: Distinctive hirute pull hardware, circular lock plates, multiple graduated drawers, side carry handles, reinforced corner brackets, warm natural patina
• Dimensions: 25"W x 14 1/2"D x 24"H
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with age-appropriate wear, minor marks, and interior staining consistent with use

A versatile, authentic ko tansu that brings the quiet strength of Japanese Meiji-era design into any room.

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 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.