Antique Japanese Kimono tansu, Taisho era, circa 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-A471

Antique Japanese Kimono tansu, Taisho era, circa 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-A471

A handcrafted two-section Kimono tansu in warm-toned wood with brass fittings -- a rare and beautifully preserved piece of antique Japanese furniture.

A Kimono tansu is a traditional Japanese storage chest designed to house folded kimono and precious textiles in an organized, protective environment. This stately example, dating to the Taisho era (1912-1926), follows the classic two-section format: an upper cabinet enclosed by a pair of hinged double doors, and a lower section fitted with wide, shallow pull-out drawers -- each proportioned to lay garments flat without creasing. The straight, fine-lined grain running across every surface is consistent with kiri wood (paulownia), long favored by Japanese craftsmen for its light weight and natural resistance to moisture and insects -- qualities that made it ideal for storing silk robes. Solid brass corner fittings anchor the upper cabinet with quiet authority, while drop-ring brass drawer pulls and recessed lock escutcheons add refined period detail throughout. The paneled door faces, framed with crisp raised molding, reflect the restrained elegance that defines Taisho-era Japanese antique furniture.

In a modern home, this Kimono tansu transitions effortlessly from its original role into a striking bedroom dresser or wardrobe cabinet -- its wide drawers ideal for folded clothing, linens, or even an art and textile collection. Styled against a light wall, it brings an immediate wabi-sabi aesthetic to a bedroom or living room setting. The lockable upper cabinet makes it equally appealing as a home office storage unit for documents or valuables, while its warm honey-toned surface and brass hardware lend themselves to Japandi-style interiors with ease. A truly distinctive housewarming gift or gift for collectors of antique Japanese craft, this tansu carries over a century of quiet, purposeful beauty into contemporary everyday living.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taisho, circa 1912-1926
• Material: Kiri wood (paulownia); brass corner fittings, brass drop-ring drawer pulls, and brass bar handles on cabinet doors; metal lock escutcheons
• Use: Storage of folded kimono and textiles; two-section tansu with lockable upper cabinet and multiple wide pull-out drawers below
• Modern Use: Bedroom dresser or wardrobe cabinet; home office storage for documents and valuables; living room accent chest in a Japandi or wabi-sabi styled space
• Features: Two-section stacking construction; upper section with paneled double doors, raised molding detail, and brass corner fittings; lower section with several wide shallow drawers, each fitted with brass drop-ring pulls and individual lock escutcheons; fine straight grain throughout; two-piece stacking design typical of the Taisho period
• Dimensions: 37"W x 16 1/2"D x 43"H
• Condition: Excellent

A timeless example of antique Japanese furniture -- this Taisho-era Kimono tansu brings over a century of understated craftsmanship and warm natural beauty 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.