Vintage Japanese Ko-Tansu Burl Wood Veneer Chest, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26M-556-1

Vintage Japanese Ko-Tansu Burl Wood Veneer Chest, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26M-556-1

A compact multi-drawer ko-tansu veneered in swirling burl wood, with a hinged lid compartment and brass bar pulls -- a rare survivor of early Showa-era cabinetmaking at its most refined.

A ko-tansu is a small personal chest used in Japanese households to store valuables, accessories, and personal effects close at hand. This exceptional example, dating to the early Showa period (1927-1945), is clad throughout in a richly figured burl wood veneer -- possibly tochi (horse chestnut) or another Japanese hardwood prized for its dramatic, swirling figure -- set against a darker hardwood frame that creates a striking two-tone contrast. The lid opens on concealed hinges to reveal a shallow interior tray fitted with dividers, ideal for small keepsakes, while multiple pull-out drawers below provide generous graduated storage, each faced with the same mesmerizing burl. The metal bar pulls are clean and understated, reflecting the restrained modernism that characterised Japanese craft design of this era. The construction is solid and purposeful, a testament to the handcrafted Japanese furniture tradition that flourished even as Western influences began to reshape domestic interiors.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese ko-tansu is as functional as it is beautiful. Placed on a bedroom dresser or vanity, it makes an extraordinary jewelry box and accessories organizer -- the divided lid tray perfect for rings and earrings, the drawers below for scarves, watches, or cosmetics. On a home office desk, it serves as a sophisticated desktop organizer for stationery, correspondence, or small tech accessories, adding a wabi-sabi aesthetic to any workspace. Its compact footprint and warm burl tones also make it a striking living room accent piece or a unique gift for collectors and Japanophiles who appreciate the beauty of vintage Japanese craft. This piece suits Japandi style interiors equally well, where its natural wood tones and quiet geometry feel entirely at home.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Burl wood veneer -- possibly tochi (horse chestnut) -- over a darker hardwood frame; metal bar pulls; light wood interior
• Use: Personal storage chest for valuables, accessories, and small household items
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and accessories organizer; desktop organizer for a home office; decorative accent piece or unique gift for collectors
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid revealing a divided interior tray; multiple pull-out drawers in a stepped asymmetric layout; each drawer fitted with a metal bar pull; two-tone burl veneer and dark hardwood frame construction; compact freestanding form on a low plinth base
• Dimensions: 11 1/2"W x 7"D x 9"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and beautifully preserved piece of vintage Japanese vintage furniture -- its swirling burl veneer and quiet craftsmanship bring warmth, history, and wabi-sabi character 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 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.