Antique Japanese Small Hikidashi Drawer, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-921-1

Japanese Small Hikidashi Drawer | Antique Desk Organizer & Bedside Drawers, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-921-1

A compact hikidashi drawer chest with striking burl veneer fronts and original metal pulls -- handcrafted Japanese antique furniture at its most refined.

A ko-tansu is a small-scale Japanese chest fitted with hikidashi -- pull-out drawers -- designed to keep personal effects, documents, sewing tools, or writing implements neatly organized within arm's reach. This compact example dates to the Early Showa period (1927-1945), a time when Japanese craftsmen began blending traditional joinery sensibilities with subtly modernized forms influenced by Western furniture design. The case is constructed from a pale, close-grained softwood -- most likely kiri (paulownia) or sugi -- while the drawer fronts are dressed in a richly figured burl veneer displaying the swirling, eye-like clusters characteristic of highly prized Japanese hardwood burls, possibly tochi (horse chestnut) or a similar figured species. The drawer boxes themselves are built from a warm, light-toned secondary wood with clear hand-cut joinery visible at the corners, and each drawer is fitted with a gracefully arched metal bar pull. The overall silhouette is clean and rectilinear with gently rounded top edges, reflecting the restrained modernism of the era.

This handcrafted Japanese antique chest translates beautifully into contemporary interiors. Sized as a compact tabletop or floor-standing unit, it makes an ideal bedside organizer -- a unique alternative to a standard nightstand drawer unit in a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic bedroom. On a home office desk or writing table, the multiple hikidashi drawers offer practical home office storage for stationery, small accessories, or correspondence. It also works as a bathroom organizer for grooming essentials, or as a living room accent piece to store remote controls and small items. With its warm burl veneer and honest aged patina, it is a genuine gift for collectors and a thoughtful housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Kiri (paulownia) or softwood carcass; drawer fronts veneered in richly figured burl hardwood, possibly tochi (horse chestnut); light-toned secondary wood drawer boxes; metal bar pulls
• Use: Personal storage chest -- originally used to organize documents, sewing tools, or writing implements in the home
• Modern Use: Bedside nightstand organizer, home office desk storage, bathroom or vanity organizer
• Features: Multiple hikidashi (pull-out drawers) with striking burl veneer fronts; arched metal bar pull on each drawer; hand-cut corner joinery on drawer boxes; clean rectilinear form with softly rounded top edges; plinth base; warm aged patina throughout
• Dimensions: 10 1/2"W x 11 1/2"D x 14 1/2"H
• Condition: Good antique condition -- consistent with age; surface wear and light scratching to the top panel; drawer veneer intact with minor patina; all drawers slide smoothly

A beautifully grained piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this Early Showa ko-tansu brings quiet craftsmanship and enduring warmth 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.