Antique Japanese Two Section Kimono Tansu Clothing Chest, 1912 - 1926 (Taisho) | SKU: 26M-B023

Japanese Isho Tansu Clothing Chest | Antique Dresser & Bedroom Storage, 1912-1926 (Taisho), SKU 26M-B023

A two-section kimono tansu in warm kiri wood -- classic Japanese antique furniture with generous drawer storage for any modern home.

An isho tansu is a traditional Japanese clothing chest designed specifically to store folded kimono and layered garments, keeping delicate textiles safe from moisture, dust, and insects. This handcrafted example dates to the Taisho period (1912-1926), a refined era in which Japanese furniture makers combined centuries of tansu joinery tradition with a growing appreciation for clean, restrained form. Constructed from kiri (paulownia) -- the classic choice for isho tansu prized for its light weight, natural resistance to humidity, and ability to breathe with the seasons -- the chest is built in two stackable sections, a hallmark of the isho tansu form that made it easy to carry during household moves. The exterior panels display the characteristic fine straight grain of kiri, now mellowed to a warm honey tone with age. Each drawer rides smoothly on traditional hand-fitted runners, and the original iron corner hardware and side carrying fittings remain intact on both sections, lending an authentic industrial contrast to the pale wood. A working original key hangs on one of the upper drawer pulls -- a charming and practical survivor.

Today this vintage Japanese tansu translates beautifully into a modern bedroom as a full-height dresser, offering generous shallow-depth drawers well suited to folded clothing, linens, or accessories. Its clean horizontal lines and warm natural tone complement Japandi style interiors, wabi-sabi aesthetic spaces, and minimalist decor alike. Placed in an entryway it becomes a striking statement console with practical everyday storage; in a home office or studio it handles art supplies, fabric, or document organization with equal ease. The two-section construction means both pieces can also be used independently -- one as a low sideboard in a living room, the other as a bedside unit or bathroom organizer. A thoughtful housewarming gift or a rewarding find for collectors of Japanese antique furniture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Kiri (paulownia) wood; iron hardware
• Use: Isho tansu -- traditional two-section clothing chest for storing folded kimono and garments
• Modern Use: Bedroom dresser and clothing storage; entryway console with drawer organization; home office or studio storage for supplies and documents
• Features: Two stackable sections; multiple wide shallow drawers throughout both sections; each drawer fitted with a pair of cast iron bail pulls; iron corner reinforcements and side carrying hardware on both sections; one original working key present; smooth hand-fitted drawer runners; fine straight kiri grain with warm honey patina
• Dimensions: 37"W x 16 1/2"D x 44"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and functional piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this Taisho-era isho tansu brings over a century of quiet craftsmanship and natural warmth 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.