Vintage Japanese Two Section Kimono Tansu Clothing Chest, 1946 - 1965 (Mid Showa) | SKU: 26M-A081

Japanese Isho Tansu Kimono Chest | Vintage Wardrobe & Bedroom Armoire, 1946-1965 (Mid Showa), SKU 26M-A081

A two-section isho tansu in warm kiri wood, with a richly carved floral brass medallion and a generously fitted interior of pull-out shelves and drawers -- a rare Mid Showa collector's find.

An isho tansu is a traditional Japanese clothing chest designed specifically to store folded kimono and obi, keeping delicate silk garments flat, dust-free, and neatly organized. This handsome two-section example -- an upper cabinet section stacked over a lower drawer base -- showcases the hallmarks of quality postwar Japanese antique furniture: lightweight kiri (paulownia) construction prized for its natural moisture-resistance and gentle insulating properties, softly rounded corners, and a clean horizontal grain that glows with a warm amber tone. The upper cabinet opens on two hinged doors secured by a spectacular oval brass medallion, its surface chased in high relief with peonies and flowering branches -- a motif symbolizing prosperity and beauty in Japanese craft tradition. Inside, a series of wide, shallow pull-out shelves are purpose-built for laying kimono flat without creasing, while a pair of small interior drawers at the base of the cabinet section provide additional storage for accessories such as obi-jime or kanzashi. The lower section carries several full-width drawers, each fitted with cast brass D-ring pulls decorated with an inlaid floral motif that echoes the grandeur of the door medallion. Constructed in the early postwar period, this piece reflects the continued dedication of Japanese craftsmen to traditional tansu-making even as Western furniture styles were beginning to influence the domestic market.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese isho tansu makes an exceptional statement piece with practical versatility. Its substantial height and generous interior -- combining open shelving and multiple drawers -- translate naturally into a bedroom wardrobe or linen cabinet, offering beautifully organized storage for folded sweaters, bedding, or accessories. The lower drawer section alone functions as a standalone bedroom dresser or entryway console, and the warm kiri tone pairs effortlessly with Japandi style interiors, wabi-sabi-inspired bedrooms, and mid-century modern living rooms alike. The carved brass medallion and floral hardware give the piece a sculptural focal quality that requires no additional styling. This is a meaningful housewarming gift or an outstanding acquisition for collectors of vintage Japanese craft and Japanese antique furniture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Kiri (paulownia) primary wood; cast brass floral hardware; lighter secondary wood on interior shelving
• Use: Isho tansu -- traditional two-section kimono and clothing chest with pull-out flat shelves, interior accessory drawers, and exterior full-width drawers
• Modern Use: Bedroom wardrobe or linen cabinet; entryway console with drawer storage; living room display and storage armoire in a Japandi or wabi-sabi interior
• Features: Two-section stacking construction; upper cabinet with hinged double doors; large oval cast brass door medallion chased with peony and floral motifs; multiple wide pull-out flat shelves in the upper interior; small interior accessory drawers at base of upper section; multiple full-width exterior drawers in the lower section; each exterior drawer fitted with a cast brass D-ring pull with inlaid floral decoration; softly rounded corners throughout; stepped plinth base
• Dimensions: 49 1/2"W x 18"D x 69"H
• Condition: Excellent

A commanding piece of Japanese antique furniture -- the isho tansu's marriage of purposeful craft, luminous kiri wood, and exquisite brass hardware brings timeless warmth and considered beauty to 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.