Antique Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest, 1912 - 1926 (Taisho) | SKU: 26M-C053

Japanese Cha-Tansu Tea Chest | Antique Sideboard & Living Room Display Cabinet, 1912-1926 (Taisho), SKU 26M-C053

A richly figured Taisho-era tea chest with an asymmetric stepped layout, scallop-carved panels, and multiple drawers -- a rare piece of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture.

A cha-tansu is a traditional Japanese tea chest designed to store tea ceremony utensils, caddies, and accessories in an organized yet elegant way. Unlike the simpler kiri-wood clothing tansu, cha-tansu were typically crafted from harder, more figured woods suited to a room of refinement. This example, dating to the Taisho period (1912-1926), is built from a boldly grained hardwood -- likely keyaki (zelkova) -- finished in a deep ebony-brown lacquer that has developed a warm patina over a century of use. The cabinet is organized in the characteristic asymmetric stepped layout of the cha-tansu form: an upper section combining open display shelves, sliding panels faced in woven fabric, and a small hinged door with a striking flame-figured panel, all framed by hand-carved scalloped borders. The lower section provides multiple pull-out drawers of varying sizes, each fitted with a cast metal ring pull, alongside additional framed panel doors. The drawer fronts themselves reveal beautiful linear wood grain beneath a dark finish, a hallmark of quality Japanese antique furniture from this era.

In a modern home, this cha-tansu is as versatile as it is beautiful. Its generous mix of open shelves, sliding compartments, and pull-out drawers makes it an exceptional living room accent -- use the open bays to display books, ceramics, or plants while the drawers keep remotes, cables, and small items neatly out of sight. It works equally well as an entryway console with storage, corralling keys, mail, and accessories in style, or as a bedroom sideboard holding folded linens alongside decorative objects. The asymmetric silhouette and wabi-sabi aesthetic of its century-old patina pair beautifully with Japandi-style interiors, and it makes a truly unique housewarming gift for collectors or Japanophiles seeking something with genuine history.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, possibly keyaki (zelkova), with dark lacquer finish; woven fabric sliding panel inserts; cast metal ring pulls
• Use: Tea ceremony storage chest (cha-tansu) -- designed to house tea utensils, caddies, and related accessories
• Modern Use: Living room display cabinet and media console; entryway console with storage; bedroom sideboard or decorative accent piece
• Features: Asymmetric stepped upper section with open display shelves; sliding panels faced in woven fabric with scalloped carved surrounds; small hinged door with flame-figured hardwood panel; multiple pull-out drawers of graduated sizes with cast metal ring pulls; additional framed panel doors with boldly figured wood inserts; deep ebony-brown lacquer finish with century-old patina throughout
• Dimensions: 30 3/4"W x 13"D x 31 3/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A compelling piece of Japanese antique furniture -- the Taisho cha-tansu brings over a century of quiet craftsmanship 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.