Antique Japanese Meiji Style Ko Tansu Small Chest With Distinctive Floral Jomae Hardware And Gunbai Pull Drawers - Early Showa Era (25D-G419)

Antique Japanese Meiji Style Ko Tansu Small Chest With Distinctive Floral Jomae Hardware And Gunbai Pull Drawers, Showa Era (SKU 25D-G419)

Compact Showa-period ko tansu with bold floral jomae lock plates and rare gunbai-style drawer pulls

This striking antique Japanese ko tansu presents a richly figured sugi (cedar) façade framed by deep, lacquered side panels, creating a dramatic contrast between warm timber and dark ironwork. The front is organized in the classic small merchant-chest format, with graduated drawers and a side safe door, each face punctuated by large circular jomae lock plates finely worked with floral crests and scrolling motifs.

Behind the hinged safe door, three interior drawers offer secure storage for valuables, while the main carcass provides a mix of shallow and deep drawers for textiles, documents, or tea utensils. Distinctive gunbai-style drawer pulls and pierced iron appliqués lend the piece a powerful presence, making it equally suited as an accent chest in an entryway, beside a low sofa, or as a focal point in a tokonoma-inspired alcove.

• Origin: Japan, likely northern or central Honshu
• Era: Showa period (early 20th century)
• Material: Sugi (cedar) with kiri (paulownia) interior and hand-forged iron hardware
• Use: Ko tansu storage chest for personal effects, documents, and valuables
• Features: Floral jomae lock plates, gunbai pull drawers, interior locking safe door with three small drawers, pierced and embossed iron corner brackets, side carry handles, warm original finish with attractive age patina
• Dimensions: 23"W x 17 1/2"D x 36"H
• Condition: Excellent, with minor wear and patination consistent with age and use

A characterful Showa ko tansu that combines compact practicality with sculptural ironwork, ideal for adding authentic Japanese presence to contemporary interiors.

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.