Antique Japanese Small Chest, 1912 - 1926 (Taisho) | SKU: 26M-594

Japanese Small Cha Tansu Tea Chest | Antique Entryway Cabinet & Living Room Storage, 1912-1926 (Taisho), SKU 26M-594

A stepped, multi-compartment tansu in boldly figured hardwood -- a rare survivor of Taisho-era Japanese antique furniture craftsmanship.

A cha tansu is a compact Japanese storage chest, traditionally used in the tea ceremony to organize necessities, correspondence, or valuables within arm's reach. This handcrafted Japanese antique chest dates to the Taisho period (1912-1926), an era when Japanese cabinetmakers began blending traditional tansu construction with subtle Western-influenced design sensibilities. The result here is a beautifully asymmetric, stepped form -- taller on the left with an open display shelf framed by a carved lattice panel, and descending in tiers to the right -- combining hinged cabinet doors, sliding cabinet doors fitted with brass ring pulls, and a pair of pull-out drawers fitted with cast metal bar handles. The drawer fronts and door panels showcase a dramatically swirling, flame-like grain consistent with keyaki or a similarly figured Japanese hardwood veneer, while the darker structural framework is likely sugi (cryptomeria) or a related timber. A decorative inset panel on the hinged door -- featuring a small woven mesh window and a floral-patterned textile or paper inlay -- adds a charming artisanal flourish typical of regional Taisho workshop production.

In a modern home, this stepped cha tansu works beautifully as an entryway console -- display a plant or ceramic on the open upper shelf while tucking keys and mail into the drawers below. Its compact footprint and layered storage also make it an ideal living room accent cabinet, bar cabinet, or home office storage unit in a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior. The richly figured panels and aged brass hardware give it an undeniable presence that makes it a unique housewarming gift or a standout piece for collectors of vintage Japanese craft furniture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Boldly figured hardwood, possibly keyaki (Japanese Zelkova), with darker structural framing likely in sugi (cryptomeria); brass ring pulls; cast metal bar handles; woven mesh and decorative inlay panel on hinged door
• Use: Compact household storage chest (ko tansu) for daily essentials, documents, and valuables
• Modern Use: Entryway console with display shelf; living room accent cabinet or bar cabinet; home office storage in a Japandi or wabi-sabi styled interior
• Features: Stepped asymmetric silhouette; open upper display shelf with carved lattice side panel; hinged cabinet door with decorative mesh window and floral inlay; sliding cabinet doors with brass ring pulls; multiple pull-out drawers with cast metal bar handles; richly figured veneer panels throughout
• Dimensions: 21 1/4"W x 9 3/4"D x 17 3/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A character-rich piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this Taisho ko tansu brings over a century of handcrafted artistry and warm, swirling grain to any modern entryway 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 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.