Antique Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-C040

Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Cabinet | Antique Display Cabinet & Living Room Storage, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-C040

A richly figured Early Showa tea cabinet with glass sliding doors, burl veneer panels, and charming hand-painted inner screens -- a rare survivor of Japanese antique furniture from the interwar era.

A cha tansu is a traditional Japanese tea cabinet designed to store and display the implements of the tea ceremony -- cups, caddies, kettles, and small utensils -- in an organized and elegant fashion. This handcrafted Japanese antique cabinet dates to the Early Showa period (1927-1945), a time when Japanese craftsmen blended classical tansu construction with subtle Art Deco influences. The exterior is veneered in a boldly figured burl wood, likely tochi (horse chestnut) or kaki (persimmon), displaying the swirling, cloud-like grain patterns prized by Japanese cabinetmakers of the era. The upper section features a pair of glass sliding doors with gently rounded frosted-glass panels, opening to reveal interior shelves ideal for displaying tea ware. Below, solid sliding doors conceal a spacious compartment, and the base section offers pull-out drawers fitted with brass bail handles. A delightful detail -- small inner sliding panels faced with aged washi paper hand-painted with sparrows and plum blossoms -- speaks to the refined decorative sensibility of the period. The rounded corners, lacquered frame, and careful joinery are hallmarks of quality vintage Japanese craft.

In today's home, this cha tansu transitions effortlessly into a living room display cabinet, dining room sideboard, or entryway accent piece in a Japandi style interior. The glass-fronted upper shelves are perfect for showing off ceramics, glassware, or a curated collection of small objects, while the enclosed lower compartments and drawers provide discreet everyday storage. Its warm burl veneer tones complement both minimalist decor and wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors. A generous gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture, it would also make a unique housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese design with genuine history.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Boldly figured burl wood veneer, possibly tochi (horse chestnut) or kaki (persimmon); solid wood secondary construction; glass sliding panels; washi paper inner screens with hand-painted bird and floral motifs; brass bail handles and metal knob pulls
• Use: Tea cabinet (cha tansu) for storing and displaying tea ceremony utensils and ceramics
• Modern Use: Living room display cabinet for ceramics or collectibles; dining room sideboard or bar cabinet; entryway accent console with concealed storage
• Features: Upper section with paired frosted glass sliding doors and interior shelves; lower section with burl-veneered sliding doors concealing compartmentalized storage; pull-out drawers at the base with brass bail handles; decorative inner washi panels hand-painted with sparrows and plum blossoms; softly rounded corners throughout; brass tassel lock detail on lower doors
• Dimensions: 27"W x 11 1/2"D x 38 1/2"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition consistent with age; washi inner panels show natural patina and wear; wood and veneer surfaces intact with warm aged finish

A beautifully crafted piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this Early Showa cha tansu brings the warmth of traditional Japanese cabinetry and hand-painted artistry into 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 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.