Antique Japanese Small Hikidashi Drawer, 1912 - 1926 (Taisho) | SKU: 26M-754-1

Japanese Ko-Tansu Small Chest | Antique Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1912-1926 (Taisho), SKU 26M-754-1

A compact handcrafted hikidashi chest with a hinged lid, pull-out drawers, and original iron hardware -- a rare survivor of Taisho-era Japanese antique furniture.

A ko-tansu is a small Japanese personal chest, traditionally used to store documents, valuables, writing tools, or household essentials within arm's reach. Compact enough to sit beside a sleeping mat or at a merchant's work area, these little chests were everyday objects of practical elegance. This example dates to the Taisho period (1912-1926) and is constructed from kiri (paulownia), a lightweight wood long favored in Japanese cabinetmaking for its resistance to moisture and warping. The exterior retains its original deep red-lacquered finish, now beautifully worn to reveal the wood's undulating grain beneath -- a hallmark of the wabi-sabi aesthetic that makes each piece completely one of a kind. The hinged lid opens to a generous interior compartment, and multiple hikidashi (pull-out drawers) are arranged below, each fitted with hand-forged iron ring pulls. The front face also features a decorative iron lock plate with a shaped escutcheon -- a bold accent typical of handcrafted Japanese tansu of this era.

In a modern home, this compact ko-tansu brings both function and character to any room. Its shallow footprint and generous storage make it an ideal jewelry box or bedroom organizer -- a unique gift for collectors or lovers of Japandi style decor. The hinged lid compartment is perfectly sized for rings, watches, or folded notes, while the lower drawers accommodate stationery, art supplies, or small personal items. Placed on a dresser, desk, or side table, it introduces an authentic wabi-sabi accent that pairs naturally with minimalist decor, earthy textures, and natural wood tones. A standout piece of vintage Japanese craft that collectors and interior enthusiasts will immediately appreciate.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Kiri (paulownia) with original red lacquer finish; hand-forged iron hardware
• Use: Personal storage chest for documents, valuables, or household essentials
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or bedroom organizer; desktop stationery and art supply storage; living room accent piece in a Japandi or wabi-sabi styled interior
• Features: Hinged lid opening to a deep interior compartment; multiple pull-out hikidashi drawers with iron ring pulls; decorative iron lock plate with shaped escutcheon on front; iron corner straps and carrying handle on lid; richly figured wood visible through worn lacquer patina
• Dimensions: 9"W x 12"D x 10 1/2"H
• Condition: Good antique condition -- original lacquer shows age-appropriate wear, scratches, and patina consistent with century-old use; all drawers slide and lid opens freely; iron hardware intact with natural oxidation

A beautifully aged piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this ko-tansu brings the quiet craftsmanship of the Taisho era 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.