Antique Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-C054

Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest | Antique Storage Cabinet & Entryway Console, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-C054

A beautifully organized antique Japanese cha tansu with sliding doors, open shelving, and multiple drawers -- a rare and functional piece of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture.

A cha tansu is a traditional Japanese tea cabinet designed to store the many implements of the tea ceremony -- canisters, utensils, lacquerware, and serving linens -- in an orderly and aesthetically pleasing arrangement. This Early Showa example is constructed from straight-grained softwood, most likely sugi (cryptomeria/cedar) or matsu (pine), finished to a warm honey-brown tone that has deepened beautifully with age. The asymmetric interior layout is a hallmark of the cha tansu form: a full-width sliding door panel conceals the upper storage bay, while a stepped inner cabinet with its own sliding door creates a secondary enclosed compartment at mid-height. Carved oval cutout handles on the sides allow the piece to be carried easily, a practical touch consistent with traditional Japanese portable furniture. The lower section features multiple pull-out drawers fitted with cast metal bail-style handles, each drawer sliding smoothly on well-fitted wooden runners -- a testament to the careful joinery typical of prewar Japanese craft.

In a modern home, this versatile cha tansu adapts effortlessly to a variety of roles. Its mix of open shelving, enclosed compartments, and graduated drawers makes it an exceptional entryway console -- ideal for storing keys, mail, and seasonal accessories while displaying a small plant or ceramic accent. In a home office, the varied storage zones can organize stationery, books, and desk supplies with the quiet efficiency of wabi-sabi aesthetic. It also works beautifully as a bedroom organizer or living room accent piece, lending warm, natural wood tones and a sense of Japanese minimalist decor to any setting. A distinctive gift for collectors or Japanophiles who appreciate handcrafted Japanese antique furniture with genuine character.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Straight-grained Japanese softwood, likely kiri (paulownia); cast metal hardware
• Use: Tea ceremony implement storage (cha tansu)
• Modern Use: Entryway console and organizer; home office storage cabinet; bedroom accent with display and drawer storage
• Features: Full-width upper sliding door panel with round brass finger pulls; open mid-section shelf; stepped inner cabinet with sliding door; carved oval side carrying cutouts; multiple pull-out drawers with cast metal bail handles; softwood construction with rounded top corners
• Dimensions: 27 1/2"W x 13"D x 30"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and functional piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this Early Showa cha tansu brings warmth, history, and effortless storage to any modern interior.

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.