Vintage Japanese Kamakura Style Hikidashi Three-Drawer Chest, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-500

Vintage Japanese Kamakura Style Hikidashi Three-Drawer Chest, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-500

A richly lacquered small tansu with hand-carved floral panels and a boldly textured exterior -- a striking example of late-century Japanese craft.

A ko-dansu is a compact Japanese chest of drawers, traditionally used to store personal effects such as writing tools, sewing notions, medicines, or small valuables. This handcrafted example, dating to the late Showa period (1946-1965), is finished in a deep oxblood lacquer applied over a wood carcase -- likely kiri (paulownia) based on the light, unfinished interior of the drawers visible in the images. The drawer fronts are divided into two distinct surface treatments: the left half carries a smooth, glossy lacquer panel while the right half is covered in a dramatic hand-chiseled wave or scale texture, with each drawer featuring a different boldly carved motif -- a peony bloom, a bundled plant form, and a rosette medallion. This asymmetric, two-tone design is a hallmark of late-century Japanese decorative craft, blending traditional carving with a modernist sense of geometry.

In today's home, this vintage Japanese ko-dansu transitions effortlessly from its original role into a refined bedroom accent. Placed on a dresser or vanity, it makes an exceptional jewelry box and ring organizer -- the multiple drawers keeping necklaces, earrings, and bracelets neatly separated. On a home office desk, it serves as a handsome desktop organizer for stationery, stamps, or small supplies, bringing a wabi-sabi aesthetic and warmth to any workspace. It also works beautifully as a living room accent piece, displayed on a shelf or side table to hold candles, incense, or remote controls. With its dramatic lacquer and sculptural surface, it doubles as a collector's display object in its own right -- a unique housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles who appreciate authentic vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood, likely kiri (paulownia), with deep oxblood lacquer finish; unfinished natural wood drawer interiors; metal bar pulls
• Use: Personal storage chest -- originally used to organize small valuables, writing tools, sewing notions, or medicines
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and ring organizer; desktop stationery organizer for a home office; decorative living room accent or collector's display piece
• Features: Three pull-out drawers with smooth-gliding construction; each drawer front split between glossy lacquer and a hand-chiseled scale texture panel; individually carved botanical and floral motifs on each drawer; metal bar pulls on each drawer; richly textured wave-pattern lacquer on sides and top; flat plinth base
• Dimensions: 7"W x 9"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent

A bold and beautifully preserved piece of vintage Japanese craft -- this lacquered ko-dansu brings sculptural character and warm, oxblood richness to any modern bedroom, desk, 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 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.