Antique Japanese Mizuya Daidokoro Tansu Kitchen Chest With Keyaki, Shoji and Yoroi-do Sliding Doors From Gifu (24N-E1)

Antique Japanese Mizuya Daidokoro Tansu Kitchen Chest With Keyaki, Shoji and Yoroi-do Sliding Doors From Gifu (24N-E1)

Antique Japanese Keyaki Mizuya Tansu — a kitchen chest featuring sliding shōji-style lattice doors, yoroi-do slatted armor doors, and solid keyaki panel doors. The chest is fitted with multiple drawers in varying sizes, offering versatile storage for utensils, trays, and kitchenware. Crafted from richly grained zelkova wood with a deep lacquer finish, this piece reflects both elegance and durability. Its mix of architectural sliding doors and functional compartments captures the essence of Edo–Meiji craftsmanship, making it an exceptional example of Japanese domestic furniture.

Material & Finish

• Crafted primarily from Keyaki (zelkova wood), prized for its dramatic grain and durability.

• Deep dark lacquer finish, aged to a warm reddish-brown patina that enhances the natural wood figure.

• Iron hardware, simple but robust, with a rustic matte black surface from years of use.

Structural & Design Features

• Upper Section: Large sliding doors with solid keyaki panels, showcasing sweeping grain patterns.

• Middle Section: Sliding shōji-style doors with wood lattice framing translucent paper, evoking a light and architectural presence.

• Lower Section:

  • Yoroi-do sliding doors (armor-style, with vertical slats reinforced by rows of nailheads), providing both ventilation and protection for stored items.

  • Multi-sized drawers ranging from wide, shallow trays for utensils to deeper compartments for larger storage.

  • Small square cabinet with vertical slatted grill door, perfect for items needing airflow.

Function & Use

• Traditionally used in the kitchen (mizuya) for storing dishes, trays, tea utensils, and cooking implements.

• Wide variety of compartments reflect the functional needs of Edo–Meiji households — large spaces for serving trays, smaller drawers for chopsticks, knives, and accessories.

• Lower sliding doors allowed easy access even in confined kitchens.

Unique Qualities

1. Combination of sliding door types — solid keyaki, shōji, and yoroi-do — rarely seen together, making this chest visually dynamic and functionally versatile.

2. Rich keyaki grain on the top doors — a hallmark of quality tansu made for well-to-do households.

3. Balanced asymmetry of drawer arrangement, a characteristic of Japanese cabinetry where visual rhythm echoes practicality.

4. Natural wear & patina — iron handles and pulls show age, enhancing authenticity and character.

Dimensions: 59 1/2"Wx 17 3/4"D x 63 3/4"H