Antique Japanese Tansu Clothing Chest, Taisho (1912-1926) | SKU: 26M-A078

Antique Japanese Tansu Clothing Chest, Taisho (1912-1926) | SKU: 26M-A078

A stately Taisho-era clothing chest combining a lockable upper cabinet, a tier of small utility drawers, and a series of full-width pull-out drawers -- all in warm, straight-grained hardwood with original metal hardware.

A tansu is a traditional Japanese storage chest, the backbone of the well-organized Japanese home for centuries. This impressive antique tansu dates to the Taisho period (1912-1926), an era marked by a graceful blending of Meiji-era craftsmanship traditions with subtle Western design sensibilities. Constructed from a straight, fine-grained hardwood -- consistent with the kiri wood (paulownia) commonly used for tall merchant and household chests of this period -- the case displays a warm honey tone and clean linear grain that only deepens with age. The upper section features a pair of sliding panel doors secured by a original cast-metal latch and lock (key included), concealing a generous open interior. Below the cabinet sit several compact utility drawers for smaller items, each fitted with a bail pull, including one with a locking key cylinder. The lower section presents a series of wide, full-depth drawers, each fitted with a substantial D-ring bail pull mounted on a decorative backplate. Corner iron strapping on the sides reinforces the carcass in the traditional tansu manner. All drawers slide smoothly on hand-fitted wooden runners -- a hallmark of quality Japanese antique furniture craftsmanship.

Standing nearly five feet tall and over three feet wide, this antique Japanese tansu commands attention as a statement piece in any room. In a bedroom, it serves beautifully as a dresser or clothing storage chest, replacing a modern wardrobe with far more character. In an entryway, it becomes a striking console for keys, linens, and seasonal accessories -- a natural fit for Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors. Interior designers also prize chests of this scale as a living room accent or home office storage unit for files, art supplies, or media. With its original hardware intact and its warm wood tones, this antique tansu is a rare find and a meaningful housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Straight-grained hardwood, kiri (paulownia); original cast-metal bail pulls, corner iron strapping, and locking hardware
• Use: Household clothing and document storage chest (tansu)
• Modern Use: Bedroom dresser or wardrobe alternative; entryway console and storage cabinet; living room accent chest or home office organizer
• Features: Upper lockable sliding-door cabinet with original latch and key; a tier of small utility drawers including one with key lock; multiple full-width pull-out drawers below; D-ring bail pulls throughout; decorative corner iron strapping; hand-fitted wooden drawer runners
• Dimensions: 37"W x 16 1/2"D x 40 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A commanding piece of Japanese antique furniture -- warm, functional, and quietly beautiful -- that brings over a century of craftsmanship tradition 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 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.