Vintage Japanese Kamakura Small Hikidashi Drawer, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-495

Japanese Ko-Tansu Small Chest | Vintage Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-495

A boldly carved hikidashi drawer chest finished in deep lacquer-red with an all-over bamboo motif -- a striking example of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture from the Late Showa era.

A ko-tansu is a small Japanese chest of drawers -- a compact, personal-scale version of the full-size tansu used to store valuables, writing tools, or keepsakes close at hand. This exceptional example, likely kiri (paulownia) or a similarly lightweight hardwood at its core, is entirely encased in a richly textured dark lacquer finish. The surface is worked in a carved tortoiseshell or pebble-ground pattern (nanako-bori style) from which a continuous bamboo composition rises dramatically across all three drawer fronts -- stalks, nodes, and bursting leaves rendered in bold relief. The deep crimson underlayer glows through the near-black top coat, lending the piece an almost cinnabar warmth. Each drawer is fitted with a small carved bar pull that echoes the bamboo nodes, and the plain, unfinished natural wood interiors -- visible when the drawers are open -- contrast beautifully with the lacquered exterior, confirming the fine hand-craftsmanship typical of vintage Japanese craft of this period.

This compact ko-tansu is a standout piece for bedroom decor -- set it on a nightstand or dresser top to hold jewelry, hair accessories, or small keepsakes. Its sculptural lacquer surface makes it equally at home as a living room accent or home office desktop organizer for storing stationery, USB drives, or small tools. The dramatic deep-red bamboo carving pairs naturally with a wabi-sabi aesthetic or Japandi style interior, and its compact footprint means it works just as well displayed on a shelf or entryway console as a standalone decorative accent. It would make an unforgettable gift for collectors of Japanese antiques or any Japanophile who appreciates fine handcrafted detail.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Hardwood core, possibly kiri (paulownia); deep red-black carved lacquer exterior; unfinished natural wood drawer interiors
• Use: Personal storage chest (ko-tansu) for valuables, writing tools, or keepsakes
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or keepsake chest; desktop organizer for home office; decorative accent on a nightstand, shelf, or entryway console
• Features: Three pull-out hikidashi drawers; all-over carved pebble-ground (nanako-bori style) lacquer finish in deep crimson and black; continuous bamboo relief carving spanning all drawer fronts; small carved bar pulls on each drawer; softly rounded top corners; low plinth base; clean unfinished natural wood drawer interiors
• Dimensions: 7 1/2"W  x 8 1/2"D x 9 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and sculptural piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this carved lacquer ko-tansu brings the timeless beauty of handcrafted Japanese craft into 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.