Antique Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-C027

Japanese Cha-Tansu Tea Chest | Antique Sideboard & Living Room Display Cabinet, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-C027

A richly grained hardwood tea cabinet with tiered open shelving, sliding door storage, and mixed metal hardware -- a functional work of Japanese antique furniture in exceptional original condition.

A cha-tansu is a traditional Japanese tea chest designed to store and display the utensils, canisters, and accessories used in the daily tea ritual. Unlike the softer kiri-wood tansu made for clothing, cha-tansu were typically constructed from harder, more durable woods suited to the weight of ceramic and lacquerware. This example, dating to the Early Showa period (1927--1945), is built from boldly grained hardwood with a striking linear figure -- consistent with matsu (Japanese pine) or a similar resinous wood -- finished to a deep amber-brown that has only grown richer with age. The piece is organized across two distinct zones: an upper section of pull-out drawers with rounded recessed panels and decorative metal ring pulls, and a lower body featuring a sliding door cabinet, open tiered shelves fitted with graceful arrow-shaped gallery rails, and a single drawer with a cast metal bail handle. A shaped apron with scalloped cutouts runs along the base, adding a touch of folk elegance typical of regional craftsmanship from this era.

In a modern home, this handcrafted Japanese antique adapts beautifully as a living room accent piece or entryway console -- the open shelves are ideal for displaying ceramics, plants, or books, while the drawers and cabinet offer discreet everyday storage. Its warm tones and architectural silhouette make it a natural fit for Japandi style interiors, wabi-sabi-inspired spaces, or any room that values honest materials and quiet visual interest. It would also work handsomely as a bar cabinet or kitchen sideboard, with the tiered shelves accommodating bottles or glassware. A thoughtful housewarming gift or statement acquisition for collectors of Japanese antique furniture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, possibly matsu (Japanese pine); blackened metal ring pulls and cast metal bail handle
• Use: Tea utensil and accessory storage chest (cha-tansu)
• Modern Use: Living room display cabinet or entryway console; bar cabinet or kitchen sideboard; Japandi-style accent piece for home office or dining room
• Features: Upper bank of pull-out drawers with rounded recessed panel fronts and decorative metal ring pulls; lower section with sliding door cabinet, tiered open shelves with arrow-shaped gallery rails, and a single drawer with cast metal bail handle; shaped scalloped apron base; rich linear wood grain throughout
• Dimensions: 42"W x 11"D x 39"H
• Inspector: Fukutsuka
• Condition: Excellent

A commanding piece of Japanese antique furniture -- the cha-tansu that brings warmth, craft, and quiet ceremony 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.