Vintage Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-C016

Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest | Vintage Display Cabinet & Living Room Storage, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-C016

A richly grained keyaki hardwood tea cabinet with glass sliding doors, tiered open shelving, and multiple drawers -- a masterwork of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture.

A cha tansu is a traditional Japanese tea chest designed to organize and display the many implements of the tea ceremony -- canisters, cups, kettles, and accessories -- in an orderly and beautiful way. This striking example is constructed from boldly figured hardwood, most likely keyaki (zelkova), its swirling, wave-like grain rendered a warm amber-red under a clear lacquer finish that highlights the natural character of the wood throughout. The cabinet is arranged across two tiers: the upper section features a pair of solid sliding panel doors at the top for concealed storage, below which glass sliding doors open to reveal a shelved display area with a small interior pull-out drawer and a stepped wooden shelf platform -- a signature cha tansu detail for organizing tea utensils at different heights. The lower section combines a pair of solid sliding doors enclosing a generous storage compartment alongside a column of graduated pull-out drawers, each fitted with a cast metal bail pull in a classic floral design. Every surface -- exterior panels, drawer faces, and framing -- showcases the dramatic grain of the wood, making this a standout piece of vintage Japanese craft.

In a modern home, this cha tansu adapts beautifully beyond the tea room. Use it as a living room accent cabinet to display ceramics, glassware, or curated collectibles behind the glass doors, with the drawers handling remote controls, candles, or small accessories. It works equally well as a dining room sideboard or kitchen storage cabinet, keeping tableware and pantry items neatly organized while adding a warm wabi-sabi aesthetic to the space. Its compact footprint also suits a home office or entryway -- the drawers ideal for stationery or keys, the open shelves for books or a small plant. A meaningful housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles who appreciate the depth of Japanese antique furniture in everyday living.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, likely keyaki (zelkova), with clear lacquer finish; glass sliding door panels; cast metal hardware
• Use: Tea cabinet (cha tansu) for storing and displaying tea ceremony utensils and accessories
• Modern Use: Living room display cabinet for ceramics or collectibles; dining room sideboard or kitchen storage; home office organizer or entryway console
• Features: Two-tier construction; upper solid sliding panel doors over a glass sliding door display section with interior stepped shelf platform and small pull-out drawer; lower section with solid sliding doors and a column of graduated pull-out drawers; each drawer fitted with a cast metal floral bail pull; striking keyaki grain throughout; dovetailed drawer construction visible in open drawer shots
• Dimensions: 29 1/2"W x 12"D x 39 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A timeless piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this cha tansu tea chest brings the warmth of handcrafted keyaki wood and the quiet elegance of the wabi-sabi aesthetic 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.