Antique Japanese Ko Tansu Small Chest, Kiri Woos, 1912 - 1926 (Taisho) | SKU: 26M-G069

Japanese Ko Tansu Small Chest | Antique Nightstand & Bedroom Dresser, 1912-1926 (Taisho), SKU 26M-G069

A compact handcrafted Japanese tansu chest in warm-toned wood, with graceful brass drop pulls and generous drawer storage -- a refined piece of antique Japanese furniture from the Taisho period.

A ko tansu is a traditional Japanese small chest -- "ko" meaning small -- used in the home to store folded clothing, personal effects, and household essentials. During the Taisho era, cabinetmakers across Japan refined the ko tansu into a tightly proportioned yet highly functional form, prized for its clean joinery and understated elegance. This example is constructed from kiri wood (paulownia), with a warm honey-brown tone that has deepened beautifully with age. The front face presents multiple drawers in a stacked layout -- two smaller side-by-side drawers at the top, followed by a graduated series of full-width drawers below -- each fitted with a cast metal drop-bail pull in a classic cloud-scroll form. The dovetail-style corner joinery visible on the sides speaks to the skilled handcraftsmanship typical of Taisho-period Japanese antique furniture. The interiors are clean and spacious, reflecting honest, practical construction throughout.

In a modern home, this ko tansu is as versatile as it is beautiful. Its compact footprint makes it an ideal nightstand or bedroom dresser, offering organized storage without overpowering a smaller space. Styled in keeping with a Japandi or wabi-sabi aesthetic, it pairs naturally with linen, natural stone, and muted palettes. It also works well as an entryway console for storing scarves and accessories, or as a home office organizer for stationery, documents, and small tools. A thoughtful and unique housewarming gift for collectors or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese antique furniture with genuine history.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Kiri Wood (paulownia); cast metal drop-bail pulls
• Use: Household clothing and personal-effects storage
• Modern Use: Bedroom nightstand or dresser; entryway console for accessories; home office organizer
• Features: Multiple drawers in a graduated stacked layout -- two smaller upper drawers side by side, with a series of full-width drawers below; classic cloud-scroll cast metal bail pulls on each drawer; clean dovetail-style corner joinery on sides; spacious, unlined interiors in good condition
• Dimensions: 20 1/2"W x 13"D x 21 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A timeless piece of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture that brings warmth, history, and quiet Taisho-era elegance 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.