Antique Japanese Ko Tansu Small Drawer Chest, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-584

Japanese Ko-Tansu Small Chest | Vintage Desk Organizer & Jewelry Storage, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-584

A richly lacquered multi-drawer ko-tansu in deep crimson, fitted with cast metal ring pulls -- handcrafted Japanese antique storage at its most refined.

A ko-tansu is a compact Japanese storage chest, scaled for personal or tabletop use and prized for the ingenuity of its interior layout. During the Early Showa period, skilled craftsmen produced these small chests in great numbers for household use -- organizing documents, writing tools, medicine, or personal keepsakes within a tightly constructed wooden body. This example is finished in a deep lacquered red that has mellowed beautifully over the decades, giving the surface a warm, burnished depth characteristic of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture. The exterior panels show fine, close-grained kiri (paulownia) construction, while the drawer interiors reveal a lighter-toned secondary wood with a clear straight grain -- consistent with traditional Japanese joinery practice. Each drawer is fitted with a cast metal ring pull in a pressed floral pattern, a small decorative detail that speaks to the care given even to functional objects of the period.

In a modern home, this ko-tansu adapts effortlessly to a range of living spaces. Set on a desk or credenza, its multiple drawers make a beautifully organized home office storage unit for stationery, cables, or small supplies. In the bedroom, it serves equally well as a jewelry box and accessories organizer, each drawer holding rings, watches, or folded scarves. Its low, wide profile also lends itself to living room decor as a display surface -- place a small plant or ceramic atop it for a Japandi-style accent that bridges vintage and contemporary sensibilities. A thoughtful housewarming gift for collectors or Japanophiles who appreciate the quiet elegance of the wabi-sabi aesthetic.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Kiri (paulownia) exterior with lighter-grained secondary wood drawer interiors; deep red lacquer finish; cast metal ring pulls
• Use: Personal storage chest for documents, writing tools, medicines, or household keepsakes
• Modern Use: Home office desk organizer; bedroom jewelry and accessories storage; living room decorative accent in Japandi or wabi-sabi styled interiors
• Features: Wide, low-profile body with a large open upper compartment and multiple drawers below in an asymmetric layout; each drawer fitted with a pressed floral cast metal ring pull; smooth-sliding drawer construction with clean unfinished interiors; removable back panel visible in images
• Dimensions: 23"W x 17"D x 12"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully preserved piece of Japanese antique furniture -- the warm crimson lacquer and handcrafted joinery of this ko-tansu bring quiet, enduring character to any modern home or office.

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.