Antique Japanese Small Hikidashi Drawer, 1912 - 1926 (Taisho) | SKU: 26M-499

Japanese Ko-Tansu Small Chest | Antique Desk Organizer & Bedside Drawer Unit, 1912-1926 (Taisho), SKU 26M-499

A compact hikidashi drawer chest from the Taisho era, handcrafted in warm-toned hardwood with ornate cast metal pulls.

A ko-tansu is a small-format Japanese storage chest, traditionally used to keep personal effects, correspondence, stationery, or small valuables close at hand -- whether beside a sleeping area, on a merchant's desk, or within a craftsman's workshop. This handcrafted Japanese antique furniture piece dates to the Taisho period (1912-1926), an era characterized by a refined blending of traditional joinery techniques with subtle decorative flourishes. The carcass is constructed from a boldly straight-grained hardwood -- likely kiri (paulownia) -- displaying a warm amber tone that has deepened beautifully with age. The joinery is clean and precise, reflecting the skill of a practiced craftsman, while the three hikidashi (pull-out drawers) slide smoothly within their housings. Each drawer front is fitted with a cast metal drop handle engraved with a delicate scrolling floral motif -- a hallmark of Taisho-period decorative hardware that adds an elegant finishing touch to an otherwise understated form.

In a modern home, this versatile ko-tansu adapts effortlessly to a variety of roles. Placed on a desk or home office shelf, it makes an ideal desk organizer -- keeping stationery, cables, or small tools neatly sorted in Japandi style. On a bedside table or nightstand, the multiple drawers offer discreet storage for books, reading glasses, and personal items, adding a wabi-sabi aesthetic warmth to bedroom decor. It also works beautifully as a bathroom organizer for small toiletries and accessories, or as a living room accent displaying curated objects on its flat top surface. Compact yet characterful, this piece makes a thoughtful housewarming gift or a standout addition to any collection of vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Straight-grained hardwood, likely kiri (paulownia); cast metal drawer pulls with engraved floral detailing
• Use: Personal storage chest -- originally used to organize small valuables, stationery, or household items
• Modern Use: Desk organizer for a home office; bedside drawer unit for bedroom decor; bathroom organizer or living room accent piece
• Features: Three hikidashi pull-out drawers with clean-sliding action; ornate cast metal drop handles with scrolling floral engraving; solid panel construction with visible wood grain; flat top surface suitable for display
• Dimensions: 8"W x 16"D x 14"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully preserved piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this Taisho-era ko-tansu brings quiet craftsmanship and timeless wabi-sabi warmth to any modern interior.

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.