Antique Japanese Two Section Kimono Tansu Clothing Chest, 1912 - 1926 (Taisho) | SKU: 26M-A469

Japanese Isho Tansu Kimono Chest | Antique Wardrobe & Bedroom Armoire, 1912-1926 (Taisho), SKU 26M-A469

A stately two-section kimono chest with a richly appointed interior -- handcrafted Japanese antique furniture at its most refined.

An isho tansu is a traditional Japanese clothing chest designed specifically for the storage of kimono and formal garments. Constructed during the Taisho era -- a period marked by growing artistic ambition and a blending of Meiji-era craft traditions with early modern sensibilities -- this two-section isho tansu is a superb example of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture. The exterior is built from boldly straight-grained hardwood, likely sugi (cryptomeria), displaying warm honey tones that have deepened beautifully with age. The upper cabinet section features a pair of double doors reinforced at every corner with substantial iron corner fittings, giving the piece a confident, architectural presence. The door pulls are a particular highlight: cast metal backplates pierced and chased in a flowing botanical motif -- a hallmark of quality Taisho-period ironwork -- suspending dark oval ring pulls with considerable visual weight. A central lock escutcheon sits discreetly below. The lower section houses a series of wide, full-width drawers fitted with matching cast metal ring pulls, each drawer running smoothly on precisely fitted wooden runners.

Inside, the isho tansu reveals an exceptionally well-considered interior. The upper cabinet opens to a generous open-shelf space above, with a set of flat sliding trays -- lacquered in a deep reddish-brown hardwood -- designed for the careful storage of folded kimono. Alongside them, a bank of small pull-out drawers fitted with petite cast metal pulls offers dedicated compartments for obi, accessories, or keepsakes. The overall interior construction is clean and pale, with the natural wood showing little of the exterior's aged patina -- a sign the piece has been well kept throughout its long life. In a modern home, this isho tansu functions beautifully as a statement bedroom wardrobe or entryway furniture piece, offering abundant clothing and linen storage behind closed doors. The lower drawer section works equally well as a standalone dresser. Its Japandi style warmth and wabi-sabi aesthetic make it a natural fit for minimalist decor or a curated collected interior. A genuinely special gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture or serious Japanophiles seeking a functional heirloom.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Straight-grained hardwood, likely sugi (cryptomeria); interior trays in richly toned dark hardwood; cast metal hardware throughout
• Use: Kimono and formal garment storage; two-section isho tansu with upper double-door cabinet and lower chest of drawers
• Modern Use: Bedroom wardrobe or armoire for clothing and linen storage; entryway furniture with concealed storage; living room accent cabinet in a Japandi or wabi-sabi interior
• Features: Two-section construction; upper cabinet with double doors, open shelves, sliding flat trays in dark hardwood, and a bank of small pull-out drawers; lower section with multiple full-width drawers; cast metal ring pulls throughout; botanical-motif pierced metal door pull backplates; iron corner and edge fittings; central lock on upper cabinet
• Dimensions: 37 1/4"W x 17"D x 63 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A commanding piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this Taisho-era isho tansu brings century-old craftsmanship and warm, natural character to any modern bedroom or entryway.

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.