Antique Japanese Kasane Tansu (Stacking Chest of Drawers), Meiji era, 1868-1911 | SKU: 26J-B005

Antique Japanese Kasane Tansu (Stacking Chest of Drawers), Meiji era, 1868-1911 | SKU: 26J-B005

A two-section stacking tansu in warm honey-toned wood, dressed in boldly sculpted iron fittings with the quiet authority of Meiji-era Japanese antique furniture.

A kasane tansu is a traditional Japanese stacking chest composed of two separable sections, designed to be easily carried and rearranged within the home -- a practical yet elegant solution to household storage long before built-in wardrobes became common. This handcrafted Japanese tansu dates to the Meiji era (1868-1911), a period when regional craftsmen refined the form to its expressive peak. The body is constructed from kiri wood (paulownia) and sugi (Cryptomeria japonica), its straight grain visible across the drawer faces and top panel, while the side panels display a beautifully figured, lightly curled grain that catches the light with quiet warmth. Each full-width drawer slides on fitted wooden runners and is anchored by a cast iron lock plate of scalloped, floral design -- a hallmark of Meiji-period tansu craftsmanship. Paired iron bail handles flank each plate, and iron corner reinforcements protect every edge with the satisfying weight of age-appropriate patina. Iron ring handles on both sides of the lower section allowed for two-person carrying, a detail that speaks to both function and forethought.

In a modern home, this antique Japanese chest of drawers earns its place effortlessly. Positioned in the bedroom, it serves as a generous dresser or clothing chest, its multiple deep drawers ideal for folded garments, linens, or accessories. In an entryway, the flat top surface welcomes a tray, keys, and seasonal objects, while the drawers keep everyday essentials neatly out of sight -- a natural fit for Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors that prize honest materials and quiet utility. The two-section construction also makes it flexible: use the sections stacked or separated as standalone storage in a home office, living room accent, or hallway. A rare and generous gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture or devoted Japanophiles seeking something truly singular.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Meiji, 1868-1911
• Material: Kiri wood (paulownia), Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) body and drawer interiors; figured hardwood side panels; cast iron lock plates, bail handles, corner reinforcements, and side carrying rings
• Use: Household clothing and textile storage; two-section kasane (stacking) tansu design for portability
• Modern Use: Bedroom dresser or clothing chest; entryway console with concealed storage; standalone accent cabinet for living room or home office
• Features: Two stacking sections separable for independent use; multiple full-width drawers with clean-planed interiors; ornate scalloped cast iron lock plates with floral relief on each drawer front; paired iron bail handles per drawer; iron corner hardware throughout; iron side carrying handles on lower section; richly figured side panels with natural wood grain
• Dimensions: 33 1/2"W x 16 5/8"D x 41"H
• Condition: Excellent

A commanding piece of Japanese antique furniture -- over a century of honest craftsmanship, now ready to bring warmth, character, and purposeful storage to any modern home.

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.