Antique Japanese Small Hikidashi Drawer, 1946 - 1965 (Mid Showa) | SKU: 26M-754-2

Japanese Ko-Tansu Small Chest | Lacquered Jewelry Box & Desk Organizer, 1946-1965 (Mid Showa), SKU 26M-754-2

A jewel-like hikidashi chest in red and black lacquer, adorned with gold maki-e roundels of bamboo, orchid, and ume blossoms.

A ko-tansu is a small-format Japanese chest of drawers -- a compact, finely crafted companion piece traditionally used to store personal effects such as letters, cosmetics, small accessories, or valuables close at hand. This exceptional example dates to the Taisho period and showcases the era's love of decorative refinement: the carcass is finished in a rich vermilion red lacquer with visible wood grain texture on the top and sides, while the drawer fronts are finished in deep gloss black lacquer. Each drawer face is embellished with a large circular maki-e medallion rendered in gold -- one depicting graceful orchid or iris grasses in a fluid brushstroke style, one showing delicate bamboo leaves, and one portraying a blossoming ume (plum) tree heavy with gold flowers. Each drawer is fitted with a faceted diamond-shaped metal pull, patinated with age. The drawer interiors are lined in natural unfinished wood, likely kiri (paulownia), consistent with fine Japanese antique furniture of this period. The contrast of red, black, and gold is a hallmark of the most celebrated lacquerware tradition in Japan.

This handcrafted Japanese antique chest is as striking as it is versatile in a modern home. Its compact footprint and bold visual presence make it a natural jewelry box or bedroom decor accent -- the multiple hikidashi drawers are perfectly sized for rings, necklaces, and small keepsakes. It would also serve beautifully as a home office desk organizer for stationery and small tools, or as a living room accent piece styled on a console or bookshelf. The dramatic red and black lacquer palette fits effortlessly into both Japandi style interiors and maximalist collector displays. A truly unique gift for Japanophiles, this piece carries over a century of Japanese craft tradition into any contemporary space.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: soft wood body; red and black lacquer finish; gold maki-e decoration; faceted metal drawer pulls
• Use: Personal storage chest (ko-tansu) for valuables, cosmetics, or correspondence
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and bedroom organizer; home office desk storage; living room or entryway decorative accent
• Features: Multiple pull-out hikidashi drawers; deep gloss black lacquer drawer fronts with large gold maki-e roundels depicting ume blossoms, bamboo, and orchid grasses; vermilion red lacquer carcass with visible wood grain; faceted diamond-shaped metal pulls; natural wood drawer interiors; raised plinth base
• Dimensions: 8"W x 9"D x 9 1/2"H
• Condition: Good antique condition -- lacquer shows age-appropriate crazing and wear to the red surround consistent with over a century of use; gold maki-e decoration remains vivid and well-preserved; drawers slide smoothly

A luminous example of Showa-era Japanese antique furniture, where centuries of lacquer craft tradition meet bold decorative artistry -- a collector's treasure equally at home in a modern bedroom, home office, or living room.

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.