Antique Japanese Ko Tansu Small Chest in Kiri Wood, Taisho Era, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-G042-1

Antique Japanese Ko Tansu Small Chest in Kiri Wood, Taisho Era, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-G042-1

A compact Japanese ko tansu with kiri wood grain, sliding doors, and a well-balanced arrangement of drawers with dark metal hardware.

A tansu is a traditional Japanese storage chest designed for practical household use, and this ko tansu presents that functionality in a compact format well suited to modern interiors. The upper section features a pair of sliding doors with molded panel fronts and round finger pulls, while the right side is fitted with a vertical stack of small drawers. Below, a combination of shallow and deeper drawers creates a useful layout for organizing smaller belongings, documents, textiles, or daily essentials. Dark metal bail pulls and an escutcheon at the center add contrast to the warm wood surface, while the overall case sits in a simple, grounded form that emphasizes the clean geometry of the facade.

At just over two feet wide, this antique Japanese tansu works beautifully as a nightstand chest, entryway organizer, or accent storage cabinet in a bedroom, study, or living room. Its compact proportions make it easy to place, while the mix of concealed and openable storage offers flexibility for both display and everyday use. The rich linear grain and understated hardware give it a timeless character that pairs naturally with wabi-sabi, Japandi, and other calm, material-focused interiors.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Kiri wood with dark metal hardware
• Use: Small household storage chest for documents, textiles, personal items, and daily essentials
• Modern Use: Nightstand chest, entryway organizer, side cabinet, or compact accent storage
• Features: Pair of sliding doors with molded panel fronts and round finger pulls; multiple small and full-width drawers; dark metal bail handles; central escutcheon; compact rectangular case form
• Dimensions: 24"W x 13 1/4"D x 20 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A genuine piece of Japanese antique furniture from the Taisho era -- compact, useful, and full of quiet character for everyday living.

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.