International Shipping Notice
How We Pack Your Tansu
Each piece is carefully inspected, cleaned, and wrapped with protective plastic wrap.
Styrofoam padding is placed at the bottom of the box, and the tansu is carefully positioned on top.
Additional Styrofoam is added around the tansu to protect all sides.
The piece is fully surrounded with Styrofoam and enclosed securely in a box.
The boxed item is placed on a pallet and secured with poly banding straps for safe transport.
Arrives safely, ready to add warmth, history, and Japanese craftsmanship to your space.
Antique Japanese Small Chest — 1880s, Meiji Era (SKU: 25M-G308)
The Merchant’s Companion: Sturdy, Storied, and Full of Life
A relic of entrepreneurial spirit, this kodansu (small tansu chest) likely served as a merchant’s traveling cabinet, built to withstand time and travel. The asymmetrical drawer layout and iron fittings are characteristic of Meiji-era utility, blending resilience with a touch of artistry.
Its rich patina tells a story of countless hands pulling drawers open for ink brushes, coins, or ledgers. This piece thrives today as a conversation-starting side table or a compact storage cabinet for modern treasures.
Origin: Japan
Era: Meiji (1880s)
Material: kirinoki (paulownia) with iron fittings
Use: Merchant chest, general-purpose storage
Features: Eleven small drawers, sliding cabinet doors, original iron hardware
Dimensions: 24"W x 11 1/2"D x 18 1/4"H
Condition: Very good antique condition with beautiful aging and patina
Let it be a reminder of craftsmanship born from purpose, and a world once carried in a chest.
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.