Antique Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest, 1912 - 1926 (Taisho) | SKU: 26M-C034

Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest | Antique Display Cabinet & Living Room Storage, 1912-1926 (Taisho), SKU 26M-C034

A rare Taisho-era cha tansu of exceptional complexity -- blending open display shelves, a hinged top compartment, sliding doors, and pull-out drawers into one richly grained antique Japanese cabinet.

A cha tansu is a traditional Japanese tea chest used to store and organize tea utensils, ceramics, and the accoutrements of the chado (tea ceremony) practice. This handcrafted Japanese antique furniture piece dates to the Taisho period (1912-1926), an era defined by a refined blending of Meiji-era craftsmanship with subtle Western influences. The body is constructed primarily from sugi (cryptomeria/cedar) with panels and door fronts of a boldly figured hardwood -- likely kaki (persimmon) -- displaying the swirling, flame-like grain prized by Japanese cabinetmakers of the period. The upper section features a distinctive hinged circular lid set into a square panel, fitted with a cast metal pull in an organic, sculptural form. Open niches, a fold-out tray shelf supported by a turned spindle, and paneled sliding doors reveal the multi-functional ingenuity typical of Taisho-era antique tansu furniture. The lower section is fitted with multiple pull-out drawers, each carrying a cast metal loop handle, resting on a solid plinth base. The combination of open display space and concealed storage makes this piece a masterwork of handcrafted Japanese storage design.

In a modern home, this cha tansu adapts beautifully as a living room accent cabinet -- the open shelves are ideal for displaying ceramics, books, or plants, while the drawers and enclosed compartments provide practical everyday storage. Its asymmetric, stepped silhouette brings an immediate wabi-sabi aesthetic to any interior, pairing naturally with Japandi style decor or mid-century modern furnishings. Use it as a bedroom storage cabinet, a home office organizer for files and stationery, or an entryway furniture statement piece to hold keys, mail, and small decorative objects. This is a genuinely unique gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture or for anyone who appreciates the artistry of Taisho-era craftsmanship.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Sugi (cryptomeria/cedar) primary construction; door and drawer panels of boldly figured hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon); cast metal hardware
• Use: Cha tansu -- tea utensil and ceremony accessory storage cabinet
• Modern Use: Living room display and storage cabinet; home office organizer; entryway furniture accent piece
• Features: Hinged circular top compartment with cast metal pull; open display niches; fold-out tray shelf on turned spindle support; paneled sliding doors with figured hardwood panels; multiple pull-out drawers with cast metal loop handles; solid plinth base; stepped asymmetric silhouette
• Dimensions: 27"W x 10 3/4"D x 34"H
• Condition: Excellent

A singular piece of Japanese antique furniture -- the Taisho cha tansu brings century-old craftsmanship, warmth, and wabi-sabi character to 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.