Vintage Japanese Small Hikidashi Drawer, 1946 - 1965 (Mid Showa) | SKU: 26M-076

Japanese Ko Tansu Small Chest | Vintage Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1946-1965 (Mid Showa), SKU 26M-076

A lacquered hikidashi drawer chest adorned with a hand-painted ume blossom motif -- a rare decorative gem from postwar Japan.

A ko tansu is a small-scale Japanese chest of drawers, traditionally used to store personal belongings such as writing tools, sewing notions, or keepsakes close at hand. This compact and beautifully crafted example dates to the Mid Showa period (1946-1965) and showcases a deep reddish-brown lacquer ground covered in a striking scattered-gold mist pattern -- a technique reminiscent of traditional Japanese lacquerware aesthetics. Sweeping diagonally across all drawer fronts is a boldly painted ume (plum blossom) branch, its amber-toned flowers rendered with expressive brushwork against the dark ground. Each hikidashi (pull-out drawer) is fitted with a cast metal ring pull mounted on a fan-shaped backplate, adding a refined decorative accent. The interior drawers are finished in clean, unfinished pale wood, confirming honest handcrafted Japanese antique furniture construction typical of the era.

In a modern home, this charming ko tansu makes a beautiful jewelry box or bedside organizer -- its multiple drawers ideal for rings, earrings, and small accessories. Placed on a vanity or dressing table, it brings an instant wabi-sabi aesthetic and a pop of warm color to any bedroom decor. It works equally well as a desktop organizer in a home office, corralling stationery, business cards, or small items with quiet elegance. The vivid ume motif and rich lacquer surface also make it a compelling Japandi-style display piece on a shelf or console. A truly unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese craft with a distinctive decorative presence.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Wood with reddish-brown lacquer finish and hand-painted ume blossom decoration; cast metal ring pulls with fan-shaped backplates; pale unfinished wood drawer interiors
• Use: Personal storage chest -- originally used to keep small household items, writing tools, or sewing notions organized
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or vanity organizer; desktop storage for a home office; decorative accent piece on a shelf or entryway console
• Features: Multiple pull-out hikidashi drawers; bold hand-painted ume (plum blossom) branch motif spanning the full front; scattered gold-mist lacquer ground; cast metal ring pulls on decorative fan backplates; clean unfinished wood drawer interiors; exposed wood grain base panel
• Dimensions: 8 1/2"W x 7 1/4"D x 11 3/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A stunning piece of vintage Japanese antique furniture -- the ko tansu's painted ume blossoms and aged lacquer bring enduring warmth and artistry to any modern interior.

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.