Antique Japanese Tansu Chest of Drawers, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26M-727

Antique Japanese Tansu Chest of Drawers, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26M-727

A compact Japanese antique tansu with richly figured drawer fronts, original metal pulls, and a working lock -- handcrafted during the Early Showa period.

A tansu is a traditional Japanese storage chest, and this example represents the refined domestic furniture-making of early Showa-era Japan. Constructed from a combination of boldly grained hardwood -- the drawer fronts displaying a swirling, burled figure consistent with kaki (persimmon) or a similarly prized Japanese hardwood -- and sugi (cryptomeria) secondary wood for the drawer boxes and carcass sides, the piece reflects the dual-material approach common to quality Japanese craftsmanship of the period. The exterior surfaces are finished to a warm amber-brown tone that has deepened beautifully with age, while the drawer fronts exhibit an almost painterly figuring that sets this chest apart from plainer utilitarian examples. Each drawer is fitted with a gracefully curved metal bail pull, and the bottom drawer retains its original lock mechanism complete with its period key -- a rare and desirable survival that speaks to the care with which this piece has been kept.

In a modern home, this handcrafted Japanese antique furniture piece is as versatile as it is beautiful. Its compact proportions make it an ideal bedroom dresser or nightstand with storage, keeping jewelry, accessories, or personal items neatly organized while adding warmth and a wabi-sabi aesthetic to the room. In a home office, it works beautifully as a filing and stationery chest, its multiple drawers offering graduated storage for documents and supplies. The flat top surface doubles as a display shelf for plants, ceramics, or books, making it equally at home as a living room accent table in a Japandi-style interior. A truly unique gift for collectors or anyone who appreciates vintage Japanese craft with authentic character.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Boldly figured hardwood drawer fronts, possibly kaki (persimmon); sugi (cryptomeria) secondary wood for drawer boxes and carcass sides; original metal bail pulls and lock hardware with period key
• Use: Household clothing or document storage chest (tansu)
• Modern Use: Bedroom dresser or nightstand with storage; home office filing and stationery chest; living room accent table with drawer storage in a Japandi-style interior
• Features: Multiple drawers in a stacked layout -- two smaller drawers at the top over a series of graduated full-width drawers below; original curved metal bail pulls on each drawer; bottom drawer fitted with a working lock and original period key; richly figured burled drawer fronts with warm amber-brown finish; clean flat top surface; stepped plinth base
• Dimensions: 14 1/2"W x 11"D x 17 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare survivor of Early Showa Japanese antique furniture -- complete with its original key and gloriously figured drawer fronts, this tansu brings authentic warmth and history 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 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.