Antique Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-C011

Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest | Antique Display Cabinet & Living Room Storage, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-C011

A richly lacquered Showa-era cha tansu with sliding glass doors and multiple pull-out drawers -- a rare and functional piece of Japanese antique furniture.

A cha tansu is a traditional Japanese tea chest used to store and display the implements of the chado tea ceremony -- including tea caddies, lacquerware, and fine ceramics. Crafted during the Showa period (1912--1926), this handcrafted Japanese cha tansu exemplifies the refined aesthetic of the era, when Western influences began to blend with classical Japanese joinery. The cabinet is constructed from a warm reddish-toned hardwood, possibly keyaki (zelkova) or a similarly close-grained Japanese timber, finished in a deep red-lacquer coating that has mellowed beautifully with age. The upper section features a pair of sliding glass-paned doors that open onto a spacious interior shelf -- ideal for displaying prized objects at a glance -- while the lower section is fitted with multiple pull-out drawers, each framed with precise molded edging that reflects the skilled joinery of Showa-period craftsmen. The drawers slide smoothly and retain their original wood interiors, showing honest age and gentle patina consistent with over a century of use.

In a modern home, this cha tansu adapts beautifully as a living room display cabinet, allowing books, ceramics, or curated collectibles to be shown behind glass while linens, stationery, or media accessories are neatly stored below. Its compact, upright footprint suits an entryway console, a home office bookcase, or a dining room sideboard equally well. The warm lacquered finish pairs naturally with Japandi style interiors, wabi-sabi aesthetics, and mid-century modern arrangements alike. Whether used as a standalone accent or integrated into a layered vintage room, this piece brings an irreplaceable sense of history and craftsmanship. A thoughtful housewarming gift or a standout acquisition for collectors of vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Showa)
• Material: Close-grained Japanese hardwood, possibly keyaki (zelkova), with red lacquer finish; original glass panels in sliding door frame
• Use: Tea ceremony implement storage and display (cha tansu)
• Modern Use: Living room display cabinet, entryway console with storage, home office bookcase or sideboard
• Features: Upper section with twin sliding glass-panel doors opening to a roomy interior shelf; lower section with multiple molded pull-out drawers; refined stepped molding throughout; warm aged lacquer patina
• Dimensions: 31 1/2"W x 12"D x 35 3/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A century-old piece of Japanese antique furniture that brings the quiet elegance of the Showa tea tradition into any modern living space.

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 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.