Vintage Japanese Two Section Kimono Tansu Clothing Chest, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-A098

Japanese Isho Tansu Clothing Chest | Vintage Wardrobe Cabinet & Bedroom Armoire, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-A098

A two-section kimono tansu with a sculpted floral lock plate, slatted interior shelving, and a hidden compartment under the drawer base -- a masterwork of mid-century Japanese antique furniture.

An isho tansu is a traditional Japanese clothing chest designed specifically for the storage of kimono and formal garments. Constructed in two stacking sections, this handcrafted Japanese isho tansu is built from kiri (paulownia) -- the wood of choice for fine clothing storage, prized for its natural resistance to moisture, insects, and warping. The exterior surfaces display a clean, straight grain finished to a warm honey tone, while the interior reveals a generous open cabinet fitted with characteristic slatted shelving -- ideal for airing and stacking folded kimono. The upper cabinet section houses a pull-out shelf and a dedicated slatted rack, while the lower section opens to reveal several smaller pull-out drawers and additional open storage. The maker's seal and inscription stamped in ink on the interior of one of the drawers confirm this as a named craftsman piece of genuine quality. A particularly compelling detail is the hidden compartment under the drawer base, visible in the detail images -- a traditional feature built into fine tansu for discreet storage of valuables.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese tansu chest makes a stunning bedroom wardrobe or armoire, replacing a standard closet with character-rich storage suited to a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic. The tall two-door upper section offers ample hanging or folded-garment space, while the graduated pull-out drawers below serve beautifully as a bedroom dresser or entryway furniture piece. Its warm kiri wood tones and exceptional cast metal hardware -- including the showpiece oval lock plate decorated with finely embossed peonies and cherry blossoms in gold and silver tones, along with the floral-inlaid drawer pulls -- make it equally at home as a living room accent cabinet or a statement linen storage piece. A thoughtful and distinctive housewarming gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture or admirers of Japandi-inspired interiors.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Kiri (paulownia) primary wood; cast metal hardware with floral embossed lock plate and drawer pulls
• Use: Isho tansu -- traditional two-section clothing chest for kimono and formal garment storage
• Modern Use: Bedroom wardrobe or armoire; entryway furniture and accent cabinet; bedroom dresser with statement hardware
• Features: Two-door upper cabinet with slatted shelving and pull-out shelf; multiple pull-out drawers in the lower section; hidden compartment under drawer base; large decorative oval lock plate with embossed peony and cherry blossom motif in gold and silver tones; floral-inlaid cast metal drawer pulls; maker's ink inscription and seal stamped inside drawer; working key lock; two-section stacking construction
• Dimensions: 44"W x 18"D x 67 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and refined piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this isho tansu brings the beauty of traditional kimono storage craft into any modern bedroom, entryway, or living space.

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.