Antique Japanese Small Hikidashi Drawer, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-921-4

Japanese Ko-Tansu Small Chest | Antique Bedside Cabinet & Entryway Accent, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-921-4

A lacquered hardwood ko-tansu adorned with hand-painted autumn botanicals -- a refined example of Early Showa Japanese antique furniture.

A ko-tansu is a compact personal storage chest used in traditional Japanese households to keep clothing, documents, or small valuables close at hand. This beautifully crafted example is constructed from a boldly grained hardwood -- possibly kaki (persimmon) -- finished in a deep lacquered red-brown that showcases the wood's sweeping natural figure. The double doors are decorated with an elaborate hand-painted maki-e-style design depicting autumn grasses, chrysanthemums, and wildflowers rendered in warm amber and orange tones against dramatic black lacquer ground panels, a motif deeply rooted in Japanese seasonal aesthetics. Paired cast metal ring pulls with flower-form rosettes grace each door, while a full-width hikidashi (pull-out drawer) fitted with an arched bail handle sits below. The interior reveals a shelved cabinet compartment, with the drawer lined in pale unfinished wood -- a hallmark of quality handcrafted Japanese furniture construction.

In a modern home, this ko-tansu transitions effortlessly into everyday living. Its compact footprint and flat top surface make it an elegant bedside cabinet or bedroom accent in a Japandi-style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior. It works equally well as an entryway accent table, offering hidden storage for keys, scarves, and small items beneath its decorative facade. The shelved cabinet compartment can display curated objects, books, or a small plant, while the drawer handles everyday essentials. A thoughtful housewarming gift or gift for collectors of vintage Japanese craft, this piece brings warmth, history, and artisanal detail to any living room accent or entryway furniture arrangement.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon), with deep red-brown lacquer finish; cast metal hardware
• Use: Personal storage chest (ko-tansu) for clothing, documents, or small valuables
• Modern Use: Bedside cabinet or nightstand; entryway accent table with storage; living room display cabinet
• Features: Hand-painted autumn botanical decoration (chrysanthemums, grasses, wildflowers) in amber and orange on black lacquer ground panels across double doors; cast metal ring pulls with flower-form rosettes on each door; full-width hikidashi drawer with arched bail handle; shelved interior cabinet compartment; ebonized edge trim; low platform base
• Dimensions: 13"W x 8 1/2"D x 11"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and striking piece of Japanese antique furniture -- the hand-painted floral lacquerwork and richly grained hardwood bring timeless artisanal beauty 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.