Vintage Japanese Small Hikidashi Drawer, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-504

Japanese Ko-Tansu Small Chest | Vintage Jewelry Cabinet & Bedside Storage, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-504

A lacquered hikidashi chest adorned with hand-painted autumn botanicals -- compact Japanese antique furniture at its most decorative.

A ko-tansu is a small-format Japanese storage chest, traditionally used to keep personal effects, folded textiles, or household valuables close at hand. This handcrafted Japanese ko-tansu from the Late Showa period is finished in a deep oxblood lacquer over a boldly grained hardwood body -- likely kiri (paulownia) given its compact form and the tradition of using this lightweight, moisture-resistant wood for personal storage chests. The exterior doors are decorated with a flowing autumn meadow scene rendered in fine brushwork, depicting chrysanthemums, susuki grass, and seasonal wildflowers against stylized black lacquer ground bands -- a classic motif drawn from the Japanese appreciation of mono no aware, the bittersweet beauty of passing seasons. Petal-form cast metal ring pulls on the doors and a scallop-edged bar pull on the lower hikidashi (pull-out drawer) complete the refined aesthetic.

In a modern home, this ko-tansu is a remarkably versatile piece of living room or bedroom decor. Open the double doors to reveal a shelved interior cabinet ideal for storing jewelry, keepsakes, or small collectibles -- making it an exceptional jewelry cabinet or display case for a dresser or vanity. It works equally well as bedside storage on a nightstand, a desktop organizer in a home office, or a decorative accent in a Japandi-style or wabi-sabi interior. The flat, clean top surface invites use as a display shelf for a small ceramic, bonsai, or framed artwork. A truly unique housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese antique furniture with genuine character.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Hardwood body, likely kiri (paulownia); deep oxblood lacquer finish; hand-painted botanical decoration; cast metal ring pulls and bar pull
• Use: Personal storage chest (ko-tansu) for folded textiles, valuables, or household items
• Modern Use: Jewelry cabinet or vanity organizer; bedside nightstand storage; decorative living room accent in a Japandi or wabi-sabi interior
• Features: Double hinged doors opening to a shelved interior cabinet; single hikidashi pull-out drawer below; hand-painted autumn botanical motif (chrysanthemums, susuki grass, seasonal wildflowers) with black lacquer ground bands across the door fronts; petal-form cast metal ring pulls on each door; scallop-edged cast metal bar pull on drawer; clean flat top surface; raised platform base with small feet
• Dimensions: 13"W x 8"D x 11"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully lacquered piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this ko-tansu brings the quiet elegance of Showa-era craftsmanship and seasonal botanical artistry 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.