Vintage Japanese Kodansu Multi-Drawer Personal Storage Chest, Early Showa (1927-1945) | SKU: 26M-512

Vintage Japanese Kodansu Multi-Drawer Personal Storage Chest, Early Showa (1927-1945) | SKU: 26M-512

A finely crafted multi-compartment kodansu in richly figured hardwood -- an elegant survivor of prewar Japanese cabinetmaking.

A kobako or kodansu is a compact Japanese personal storage chest, traditionally kept at a writing desk or dressing table to hold correspondence, seals, cosmetics, or small valuables. This handsome example, likely dating to the Early Showa period (1927-1945), is constructed from a boldly grained hardwood -- possibly kaki (persimmon) -- whose dramatic swirling figure deepens to a rich burgundy-brown under its lacquered finish. The asymmetric facade is a hallmark of vintage Japanese craft: a wide full-width drawer at the top sits above a central zone of sliding panel doors with carved cartouche-shaped recessed pulls, flanked by a column of smaller individual drawers each fitted with a cast metal drop pull. A shallow open shelf area sits to one side, providing immediate-access storage. Cut-out carrying handles on both side panels speak to the portability that made these pieces so practical in traditional Japanese interiors. The joinery is tight and precise, reflecting the high standards of prewar Japanese vintage furniture production.

In today's home, this striking kodansu adapts beautifully to a range of modern uses. Placed on a bedroom dresser or vanity, it becomes a sophisticated jewelry box and accessories organizer -- its multiple compartments perfect for rings, earrings, watches, and keepsakes. On a home office desk it serves as a handsome desktop organizer for stationery, USB drives, and correspondence, bringing a wabi-sabi aesthetic to any workspace. It also makes an eye-catching living room accent piece -- displayed on a console or sideboard, it pairs effortlessly with Japandi style interiors and invites guests to explore its layered compartments. A truly unique housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles and collectors of Japanese vintage furniture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon); lacquered finish; cast metal hardware
• Use: Personal storage chest for valuables, correspondence, cosmetics, or seals -- used at a writing desk or dressing table
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and accessories organizer; desktop organizer for home office storage; decorative accent piece for living room or bedroom decor
• Features: Asymmetric facade with multiple drawers of varying sizes; central sliding panel doors with carved cartouche pulls; open shelf section; cast metal drop pulls and arc-style bar pulls; cut-out side carrying handles; tight dovetail joinery; rich lacquered patina
• Dimensions: 17"W x 10"D x 12"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and beautifully preserved piece of vintage Japanese furniture -- handcrafted with quiet sophistication and ready to bring warmth, history, and wabi-sabi charm to 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 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.