Vintage Japanese Ko-Tansu Two-Drawer Chest, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26M-533-5

Vintage Japanese Ko-Tansu Two-Drawer Chest, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26M-533-5

A compact two-drawer ko-tansu in deeply patinated wood -- a handcrafted Japanese vintage with brass pulls and a working lock.

A ko-tansu is a small personal chest used in traditional Japanese households to store valuables, documents, medicines, or sewing tools close at hand. This compact example, dating to the Mid Showa era (1946-1965), is constructed from a boldly grained hardwood -- possibly sugi (cryptomeria) based on the strongly linear grain visible on the drawer fronts and sides -- finished in a deep, dark lacquer that has developed a rich patina over decades of use. Two pull-out drawers are each fitted with cast metal bail handles; the lower drawer features an additional keyhole escutcheon, suggesting it was used to secure small valuables. The piece rests on short bracket feet and is neatly finished on all sides, reflecting the careful handcrafted Japanese woodworking tradition common to mid-century domestic furniture.

This vintage Japanese ko-tansu translates effortlessly into modern interiors. Its compact footprint makes it an ideal desk organizer for a home office -- stationery, USB drives, and small tools tuck neatly into its drawers. Placed on a dresser or vanity, it serves as a charming jewelry box or watch storage case, perfectly suited to a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic bedroom. It also works beautifully as a living room accent piece atop a console or shelf, displaying its aged character alongside books and ceramics. A unique gift for collectors and Japanophiles who appreciate the quiet beauty of everyday vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, possibly sugi (cryptomeria); dark lacquer finish; cast metal bail handles and keyhole escutcheon on lower drawer
• Use: Personal storage chest -- used in Japanese homes to keep documents, valuables, sewing tools, or medicines
• Modern Use: Desktop organizer for a home office; jewelry box or watch case for bedroom decor; decorative accent piece for a living room shelf or console
• Features: Two pull-out drawers; upper drawer fitted with a cast metal bail pull; lower drawer fitted with a bail pull and working keyhole lock escutcheon; bracket feet; finished on all sides; deep patinated surface with natural age character
• Dimensions: 5 1/2"W x 8"D x 6 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully aged piece of vintage Japanese craft -- this ko-tansu brings warmth, history, and quiet functionality 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.