Vintage Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest, 1946 - 1965 (Mid Showa) | SKU: 26M-C041

Japanese Cha-Tansu Tea Chest | Vintage Display Cabinet & Living Room Storage, 1946-1965 (Mid Showa), SKU 26M-C041

A richly grained mid-century tea cabinet with asymmetric storage -- a rare and functional piece of vintage Japanese antique furniture.

A cha-tansu is a traditional Japanese tea chest designed to organize and display the many implements used in the tea ceremony and everyday tea service -- from canisters and kettles to cups and linens. This Mid Showa example is built from a boldly striped dark hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon) or keyaki (zelkova), its dramatic linear grain lending the piece a graphic, almost architectural quality. The asymmetric front layout is characteristic of handcrafted Japanese furniture of this era: a pair of fabric-faced sliding compartments at the top sit above an open shelf section, a small sliding door unit, and multiple pull-out drawers below -- each fitted with a curved brass bar pull. The interplay of open display space and enclosed storage reflects the Japanese design philosophy of concealing and revealing in equal measure.

In a modern home, this vintage cha-tansu translates effortlessly beyond its original purpose. Its compact upright form and mix of open shelving and closed drawers make it an ideal living room accent or entryway console -- display books, ceramics, or plants on the open shelves while tucking away keys, mail, and small accessories in the drawers. It also works beautifully as a home office storage cabinet, keeping supplies organized while adding warmth and a wabi-sabi aesthetic to any workspace. With its striking dark grain and Japandi-friendly proportions, it makes a truly unique housewarming gift for collectors and Japanophiles alike.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Boldly grained dark hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon) or keyaki (zelkova); brass bar pulls; fabric-faced sliding compartment doors
• Use: Cha-tansu -- traditional Japanese tea storage and display cabinet
• Modern Use: Living room display cabinet and accent piece; entryway console with storage; home office organizer
• Features: Asymmetric front layout with fabric-faced sliding compartments at top; open display shelf section; small sliding door unit; multiple pull-out drawers with curved brass bar pulls; dramatically striped wood grain throughout
• Dimensions: 23"W x 10 1/4"D x 26 1/4"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition; age-related wear to fabric drawer fronts consistent with use and era; wood structure and hardware intact

A striking piece of Japanese antique furniture that brings the quiet elegance of mid-century Japanese craft 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.