Antique Japanese Ko Tansu Small Chest, Kiri Wood, 1912 - 1926 (Taisho) | SKU: 26M-G076

Japanese Ko Tansu Small Chest | Antique Nightstand & Entryway Cabinet, 1912-1926 (Taisho), SKU 26M-G076

A compact and beautifully crafted Taisho-era tansu combining sliding doors, a shelved cabinet, and multiple pull-out drawers in one versatile form.

A ko tansu is a small-format Japanese storage chest -- "ko" meaning small -- traditionally used in the home to organize personal items, documents, and household sundries. This handcrafted Japanese antique furniture piece dates to the Taisho period (1912-1926), an era that saw a graceful blending of Meiji-era joinery traditions with a quieter, more refined domestic aesthetic. The body is constructed from kiri wood (paulownia), finished to a warm honey tone that has deepened beautifully with age. The upper section features a pair of beveled sliding doors (hikido) concealing a shelved interior, secured with a cast metal latch in the classic keyhole style. Flanking the cabinet on the right are stacked small drawers, each fitted with a curved metal bail pull. The lower section offers wider pull-out drawers -- including a full-width bottom drawer -- providing generous storage in a compact footprint. The joinery throughout is tight and precise, reflecting the skill of a regional craftsman working in the best traditions of vintage Japanese craft.

This ko tansu translates remarkably well into modern interiors. Its compact proportions make it an ideal bedroom nightstand, with the sliding-door cabinet hiding everyday clutter while the drawers keep books, accessories, and small essentials close at hand. In a home office, it functions as a stylish desktop organizer or under-desk storage unit, perfectly suited to Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic decor. In an entryway, it serves as a charming console cabinet for keys, mail, and small accessories. The flat top surface is ready to display a curated arrangement of ceramics or plants. A thoughtful housewarming gift or a standout piece for collectors of Japanese antique furniture, this chest brings warmth, history, and quiet craftsmanship to any room.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Kiri (paulownia); cast metal hardware
• Use: Household storage chest for personal belongings, documents, and sundries
• Modern Use: Bedroom nightstand or side table; home office storage and desktop organizer; entryway console cabinet
• Features: Upper section with beveled sliding doors and shelved interior with cast metal latch; stacked small drawers on the right side, each with a curved metal bail pull; multiple wider pull-out drawers in the lower section including a full-width bottom drawer; clean flat top surface; tight hand-fitted joinery throughout
• Dimensions: 23 1/2"W x 11 1/2"D x 18 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A finely proportioned piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this Taisho-era ko tansu brings the quiet elegance of handcrafted Japanese craft 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.