Antique Japanese Ko tansu, Taisho era 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-0291

Antique Japanese Ko tansu, Taisho era 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-0291

A richly figured Taisho-era personal storage chest with hinged lift-top and multiple drawers -- handcrafted in boldly grained Japanese hardwood.

A Ko tansu is a compact personal storage chest, traditionally kept on a desk or shelf to organize documents, writing tools, seals, and small valuables. This fine example dates to the Taisho era (1912-1926), a period when Japanese antique furniture blended Meiji-era craftsmanship with a growing appreciation for refined natural materials. The exterior is clad in a strikingly figured wood -- most likely keyaki (zelkova) -- whose swirling, flame-like grain covers every surface with remarkable consistency. The hinged lift-top opens to reveal a divided interior compartment, while the front presents a well-organized arrangement of drawers in varying sizes, each fitted with a cast metal pull -- some arc-shaped loop handles, one with a rounded knob -- that have aged to a warm dark patina. Original paper labels visible inside several drawers hint at a merchant or clerical past, adding authentic provenance to this handcrafted Japanese piece.

Today this Ko tansu translates beautifully into a modern home as a desktop jewelry box or bedside organizer -- its multiple drawers are perfectly sized for rings, earrings, and small accessories. On a home office desk it brings wabi-sabi warmth as a stationery and keepsake organizer, while its compact footprint and sculptural grain make it a striking living room accent or shelf display in a Japandi-style interior. A unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates antique Japanese furniture with genuine character and daily utility.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taisho, approximately 1912-1926
• Material: Boldly figured hardwood, possibly keyaki (zelkova); cast metal drawer pulls with aged patina
• Use: Personal desktop storage for documents, writing tools, seals, and small valuables
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or bedroom organizer; home office desk storage; decorative Japandi-style shelf accent
• Features: Hinged lift-top with divided interior compartment; multiple drawers in a mixed configuration -- wider full-width drawers at base and bottom, smaller drawers alongside a knob-pull drawer at center; arc-shaped metal loop pulls and a rounded knob pull; flush recessed base; consistent figured grain across all exterior surfaces; original paper drawer labels present
• Dimensions: 11 5/8"W x 7"D x 9 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and tactile piece of antique Japanese furniture -- the glowing keyaki grain and Taisho-era craftsmanship make this Ko tansu a timeless addition to any collector's home or office.

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.