Antique Japanese Small Hikidashi Drawer, 1912 - 1926 (Taisho) | SKU: 26M-903

Japanese Ko-Tansu Small Chest | Antique Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1912-1926 (Taisho), SKU 26M-903

A handcrafted Taisho-era hikidashi chest in boldly grained hardwood -- a rare desktop treasure with original cast metal hardware.

A ko-tansu is a small-format Japanese chest of drawers, literally a "little tansu," designed to sit on a desk, shelf, or dresser rather than on the floor. This example dates to the Taisho period (1912-1926), a time when Japanese craftsmen began blending traditional tansu-making techniques with a refined decorative sensibility. The piece is constructed from a boldly grained hardwood -- likely keyaki (zelkova) or kaki (persimmon) -- whose swirling, flame-like figure deepens to a rich chocolate brown across every surface. The asymmetric facade is a hallmark of fine ko-tansu design: several small hikidashi (pull-out drawers) flank a central drop-front or hinged panel fitted with a cast metal decorative clasp, while a wide full-width drawer spanning the base provides generous storage below. Each smaller drawer is fitted with a turned wooden knob, and the base drawer carries a graceful bail-style metal pull. The drawer interiors reveal clean, pale secondary wood, confirming careful construction throughout. This is a distinguished example of vintage Japanese craft furniture, assembled with hand-cut joinery and aged to a naturally lustrous patina.

In a modern home, this handcrafted Japanese antique furniture piece adapts beautifully to a wide range of uses. Set it on a bedroom dresser as a jewelry box and accessories organizer -- its multiple compartments are perfectly sized for rings, earrings, watches, and small keepsakes. On a home office desk it becomes a character-rich desktop organizer for stationery, USB drives, and correspondence. Its compact footprint and striking wood grain also make it a natural living room accent or entryway vignette piece in a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior. This ko-tansu would make a truly unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted antique storage with genuine history.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, possibly keyaki (zelkova) or kaki (persimmon); cast metal hardware; turned wooden knobs
• Use: Desktop personal storage chest (ko-tansu); originally used to organize small valuables, documents, or sewing and writing tools
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and accessories organizer; desktop organizer for home office storage; decorative living room or bedroom accent in a Japandi or wabi-sabi aesthetic
• Features: Asymmetric facade with multiple small hikidashi drawers flanking a central recessed panel with cast metal clasp; wide full-width base drawer with bail-style metal pull; clean pale-wood drawer interiors; flat plinth base; rich flame-grain throughout; all drawers slide smoothly
• Dimensions: 13"W x 10"D x 11"H
• Condition: Excellent

A timeless piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this Taisho ko-tansu brings the warmth of hand-cut craftsmanship and century-old wood grain to any modern home or desk.

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.