Antique Japanese Ko Tansu Small Chest, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-G032

Japanese Ko Tansu Small Cabinet | Vintage Wardrobe & Entryway Storage, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-G032

A slender, beautifully grained hardwood cabinet combining a roomy open interior with a neatly divided base drawer -- handcrafted Japanese antique furniture at its most quietly elegant.

A ko tansu is a compact Japanese storage chest, smaller in scale than a full-sized tansu but no less refined in its construction. This Early Showa example takes the form of a tall, narrow single-door cabinet built from a warmly toned hardwood with fine, closely spaced straight grain -- consistent with sugi (Japanese cedar) or a similarly light-toned domestic timber on the interior and secondary surfaces, while the exterior panels display a richer, more figured grain characteristic of kiri (paulownia) or a comparable Japanese hardwood. The door features a recessed floating panel framed by a darker-stained border, and closes against the carcass with a simple wooden turn latch visible on the interior -- a hallmark of understated Japanese joinery. A shallow pull-out drawer fitted at the base is divided internally into compartments, providing organized storage for small items. The interior is open and well-proportioned, likely used historically for storing folded kimono, scrolls, or household linens.

In a modern home, this handsome ko tansu works beautifully as an entryway storage cabinet -- tall enough to hold umbrellas, scarves, or a small hanging garment on an added hook, with the base drawer ideal for keys, mail, and everyday essentials. Its narrow footprint makes it equally well suited as bedroom decor alongside a bed, serving as a nightstand alternative with display space on top. Design-forward collectors will appreciate how its warm wood tones and clean rectilinear lines align naturally with Japandi style and wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors. A thoughtful housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese antique furniture with genuine history.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Richly grained hardwood, possibly kiri (paulownia) on exterior panels; lighter straight-grained wood, possibly sugi (cedar), on interior and secondary surfaces; metal bar pull on base drawer; wooden turn latch
• Use: Compact household storage cabinet -- originally used for folded garments, scrolls, or linens
• Modern Use: Entryway storage cabinet or coat closet; bedroom nightstand alternative with display top; living room accent cabinet for books and objects
• Features: Single hinged door with recessed floating panel; open interior cavity; pull-out base drawer with internal dividers and metal bar pull; wooden interior turn latch; darker-stained frame and border detail contrasting with warm panel surfaces
• Dimensions: 13 3/4"W x 11 1/2"D x 45"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and refined piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this ko tansu brings the quiet craftsmanship of Early Showa Japan into any modern living space with effortless warmth.

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.