Antique Japanese Small Tansu Chest — Kiri Wood & Iron Hardware, 1880s Meiji Era (SKU: 25M-G306)

Antique Japanese Small Tansu Chest — Kiri Wood & Iron Hardware, 1880s Meiji Era (SKU: 25M-G306-9)
Whispers of history held in iron and cedar grain

Compact yet commanding, this antique Japanese tansu (箪笥) from the Meiji era carries the quiet dignity of an era shaped by resilience and artistry. Handcrafted in the late 19th century, it once stored a merchant’s precious ledgers, letters, or personal treasures—its compact form making it easy to tuck beneath larger storage or carry between spaces. Each drawer whispers a story of practical life elevated to beauty through expert joinery and natural materials.

The chest is constructed from kirinoki (Paulownia) and finished with ornate iron lockplates and corner brackets, each one forged with care. The circular kiku-mon (chrysanthemum crest) motifs suggest this was made for a family of status or a well-appointed home. Whether placed on a tabletop, used as a side chest, or simply admired for its sculptural presence, this small tansu bridges utility with understated elegance.

• Origin: Japan

• Era: Meiji Period (c. 1880s)

• Material: Solid kirinoki (Paulownia) with iron hardware

• Use: Storage for valuables, documents, textiles, or display

• Features:
  • Five graduated drawers with original iron pulls
  • Chrysanthemum crest (kiku-mon) lockplates
  • Hand-forged iron corner brackets for structure and style
  • Smooth sliding action with dovetail joinery

• Dimensions: 23 3/4"W x 13 1/2"D x 25"H

• Condition: Excellent antique condition; minor surface wear consistent with age

A timeless heirloom of Japanese craftsmanship, this small tansu offers both functionality and a quiet reverence for the past—where even everyday storage was made to be beautiful.

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.