Antique Japanese Nagamochi Storage Trunk, Taisho Period 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-586

Antique Japanese Nagamochi Storage Trunk, Taisho Period 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-586

A rare Taisho-era travel and storage trunk wrapped in lacquered textile -- bold crimson panels framed by black-lacquered wood edging and finished with a scalloped brass lock plate.

A nagamochi is a traditional Japanese long storage trunk used in households and during travel to safeguard clothing, textiles, and precious personal belongings. This handcrafted Japanese antique dates to the Taisho period (1912-1926), a time when East-meets-West aesthetics gave rise to richly decorated functional objects. The exterior is covered in a tightly woven textile -- likely washi-reinforced fabric -- lacquered deep crimson and framed by dark lacquered wooden edging along every corner and seam. The front is anchored by a large scalloped brass lock plate with a working keyhole, riveted to the body with domed brass studs, while iron ring handles on each short side allowed the trunk to be carried by two bearers. The interior is lined in a soft grey-blue paper, still intact, protecting whatever lay inside.

In a modern home, this striking antique Japanese trunk earns its place far beyond mere storage. Set it at the foot of a bed as a blanket chest and bedroom decor statement, or position it in an entryway as a shoe and umbrella storage bench. Its low, horizontal profile and dramatic deep-red lacquer finish make it equally compelling as a living room accent table in a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior. The scalloped brass hardware gives it the decorative weight of a collector's centerpiece. A remarkable housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles who appreciate handcrafted Japanese antique furniture with genuine age and character.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taisho period, 1912-1926
• Material: Wood core; exterior covered in lacquered woven textile in deep crimson; dark lacquered wood edging; brass lock plate with domed rivet studs; iron ring side handles; grey-blue washi paper interior lining
• Use: Household and travel storage trunk (nagamochi) -- used to store folded garments, kimono, and textiles
• Modern Use: Blanket chest or bedside storage in a bedroom; entryway bench with hidden storage; decorative living room accent table in a Japandi or wabi-sabi interior
• Features: Scalloped brass front lock plate with working keyhole and domed rivet studs; iron ring handles on both short sides; hinged lid with metal hinge reinforcement; original grey-blue washi paper interior lining; deeply textured lacquered textile panels on all sides
• Dimensions: 20"W x 12"D x 12"H
• Condition: Excellent

A bold and beautifully aged piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this Taisho-era nagamochi trunk brings deep crimson warmth and a century of quiet 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 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.