Vintage Japanese Hikidashi Carved Wood Chest of Drawers, Mid Showa (1946-1965) | SKU: 26M-865-1

Vintage Japanese Hikidashi Carved Wood Chest of Drawers, Mid Showa (1946-1965) | SKU: 26M-865-1

A compact carved wood chest with dramatic relief motifs and ebonized finish -- a rare example of handcrafted Japanese vintage furniture from the postwar era.

This is a small Japanese chest of drawers traditionally used to store personal valuables, documents, sewing tools, or medicine. This compact example, dating to the Mid Showa period (1946-1965), is distinguished by its deeply carved drawer fronts featuring sweeping scrollwork and foliate relief motifs set against a finely textured, hatched ground -- a style of decorative wood carving rarely seen on postwar Japanese furniture. The body is finished in a rich ebonized lacquer, contrasting handsomely with the warm natural wood interiors visible when the drawers are extended. Each drawer is centered with a round brass knob, and the carcass edges are trimmed with a precise rope-bead border that frames the carved panels like a picture frame. The craftsmanship throughout suggests a skilled regional artisan working in a tradition that blends Japanese joinery with decorative carving influenced by the eclectic tastes of mid-century Japan.

Today this vintage Japanese ko-tansu translates effortlessly into a modern interior. Its compact, nearly cubic form makes it ideal as a bedside table or nightstand in a minimalist or Japandi-style bedroom, with the drawers offering discreet storage for jewelry, accessories, or small essentials. Placed on a desk or shelf, it serves equally well as a desktop organizer for stationery, correspondence, or keepsakes -- a sculptural piece that earns its place in any home office. The bold ebonized surface and hand-carved relief make it a striking living room accent or entryway decor piece as well. A truly unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage furniture or anyone drawn to the wabi-sabi aesthetic.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Ebonized hardwood carcass with natural wood drawer interiors; brass knob pulls
• Use: Personal storage chest -- originally used to organize valuables, documents, or small household items
• Modern Use: Bedside table or nightstand with storage; desktop organizer for a home office; decorative accent for living room or entryway
• Features: Multiple pull-out drawers with deeply carved scrollwork and foliate relief panels; finely hatched background texture on all drawer fronts; rope-bead border trim along edges and top; round brass knob on each drawer; ebonized lacquer exterior finish; natural wood drawer interiors
• Dimensions: 10 1/2"W x 9"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and beautifully carved piece of vintage Japanese furniture -- handcrafted with a sculptor's touch and ready to bring character 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 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.