Antique Japanese Ko-Tansu Chest of Drawers, Taisho period, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-828

Antique Japanese Ko-Tansu Chest of Drawers, Taisho period, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-828

A boldly grained Taisho-era ko-tansu with rich patina and hand-forged iron pulls -- a striking piece of antique Japanese furniture.

A ko-tansu is a compact Japanese storage chest, traditionally used in the home to organize personal belongings such as folded garments, correspondence, and small valuables. This example, dating to the Taisho period (1912-1926), is constructed from a dramatically grained softwood -- most likely sugi (Japanese cedar) or matsu (pine) -- finished in a deep lacquer that has aged to a richly mottled ebony-and-amber tone over more than a century of use. The chest is arranged in a tiered layout, with several smaller drawers stacked above a wider full-width drawer below, a classic configuration seen in handcrafted Japanese ko-tansu of the era. Each drawer is fitted with a cast iron drop-bail pull, darkened with age to a deep pewter tone, adding a raw, tactile authenticity that is characteristic of Taisho-period craft. Corner reinforcements in dark metal strengthen the carcass and frame the piece with quiet structural elegance.

In a modern home, this antique Japanese chest adapts effortlessly to a range of uses. Its compact footprint and generous drawer capacity make it ideal as a bedside table with nightstand storage, keeping books, accessories, and essentials close at hand in a bedroom setting. It works equally well as a living room accent piece -- styled with a small plant or lamp on top -- bringing wabi-sabi aesthetic warmth to a Japandi-style interior. Collectors and Japanophiles will appreciate it as a sculptural display stand or home office organizer for stationery, art supplies, or small tools. A truly unique housewarming gift for anyone who values authentic antique Japanese craft over mass-produced furniture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taisho period, 1912-1926
• Material: Boldly grained softwood, likely sugi (Japanese cedar) or matsu (pine), with dark lacquer finish; cast iron drop-bail pulls; metal corner reinforcements
• Use: Compact household storage chest (ko-tansu) for clothing, personal items, and valuables
• Modern Use: Bedside table with drawer storage; living room accent piece or Japandi-style decor; home office organizer for stationery or art supplies
• Features: Tiered drawer layout with several smaller drawers above a full-width lower drawer; hand-forged iron drop-bail pulls on each drawer; metal corner fittings; deeply patinated lacquer surface with striking wood grain; side carrying cutouts visible on carcass
• Dimensions: 18"W x 10 1/2"D x 12"H
• Condition: Excellent

A century-old piece of antique Japanese furniture, this ko-tansu brings the depth of Taisho craftsmanship and the beauty of wabi-sabi patina 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 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.