Antique Japanese Kimono tansu, Taisho period, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-A002

Antique Japanese Kimono tansu, Taisho period, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-A002

A stately Taisho-era clothing chest with bold iron hardware and warm kiri wood -- handcrafted Japanese antique furniture at its finest.

A Kimono tansu is a traditional Japanese clothing chest designed to store folded kimono and fine textiles flat, protecting them from dust and creasing. This handsome example, dating to the Taisho period (1912-1926), presents a tall stack of wide, full-depth drawers built from kiri wood (paulownia) -- the preferred material of Japanese cabinetmakers for its light weight, resistance to moisture, and gentle insulating properties that help preserve delicate fabrics. The warm honey tone of the wood is complemented by a full suite of iron hardware: large circular lock plates centered on each drawer face, each accented with a cast flower-form boss beneath the keyhole, paired with graceful U-shaped bail pulls at either side. Black iron corner reinforcements bracket every edge and corner of the carcass, lending the chest its characteristic graphic strength. The open-drawer images reveal clean, unlined interiors with tight-fitting joinery -- a hallmark of quality Japanese antique furniture craftsmanship.

Today this Kimono tansu translates beautifully into a variety of modern living spaces. Its generous drawer capacity makes it an ideal bedroom dresser or wardrobe alternative, offering far more character than contemporary flat-pack furniture. Styled alongside natural linens and ceramic accents, it fits seamlessly into a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic bedroom. In an entryway it serves as a striking console and storage piece for scarves, accessories, and everyday essentials. The warm wood tones and graphic ironwork also make it a natural focal point in a living room or home office -- a rare and considered gift for collectors or anyone who loves Japanese antique furniture with a story to tell.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taisho, circa 1912-1926
• Material: Kiri wood (paulownia) body; iron hardware including circular lock plates with floral boss detail, U-shaped bail pulls, and corner reinforcement fittings
• Use: Storage of folded kimono and fine textiles
• Modern Use: Bedroom dresser or wardrobe alternative; entryway console with storage; living room accent chest
• Features: Multiple full-width drawers in a stacked two-section configuration; large circular iron lock plates with cast floral knob accent on each drawer; paired bail pulls per drawer; black iron corner and edge reinforcements throughout; clean unlined interior with well-fitted joinery
• Dimensions: 34 1/2"W x 16"D x 44 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A commanding piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this Kimono tansu brings over a century of quiet craftsmanship and Taisho-era elegance 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.