Vintage Japanese Cha tansu, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-C0066

Vintage Japanese Cha tansu, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-C0066

A rare early Showa Cha tansu with fern-patterned pressed glass sliding doors and richly grained hardwood -- a striking piece of vintage Japanese furniture.

A Cha tansu is a traditional Japanese household cabinet originally used to store tea utensils, small ceramics, and daily essentials in the Japanese home. This handcrafted example, dating to the early Showa period (circa 1927-1945), exemplifies the refined domestic cabinetry of that era -- combining thoughtful asymmetrical layout with high-quality materials. The frame is constructed from a boldly grained hardwood, likely keyaki (zelkova), finished in a deep dark oil or lacquer that has mellowed beautifully with age. The upper section features open shelving alongside a small hinged door panel fitted with a brass knob pull, its figured wood grain catching the light with a rich swirling pattern. The mid-section is enclosed by a pair of sliding doors set with fern-patterned pressed glass -- a hallmark decorative detail of early Showa Japanese vintage furniture -- which softly screens the interior shelves while adding remarkable visual texture. The lower section houses a pair of side-by-side drawers, each fitted with a cast metal bail handle in the traditional Japanese style. Drawer interiors are finished in lighter secondary wood, consistent with period construction practice.

In a modern home, this versatile Cha tansu adapts effortlessly across many rooms and interior styles. Its compact footprint (just over two feet wide) and upright form make it an ideal entryway furniture piece -- use the open shelves for keys and daily carry items, and the glass-door section to display small objects or plants. In a living room or home office, it works beautifully as a display cabinet or Japandi-style accent piece, lending wabi-sabi warmth to any minimalist decor scheme. The lower drawers offer practical everyday storage for stationery, accessories, or linens. It also makes a distinctive bedroom decor statement as a nightstand alternative or vanity-side organizer. A thoughtful housewarming gift or gift for collectors of vintage Japanese craft, this piece carries nearly a century of quiet elegance into contemporary spaces.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood frame, likely keyaki (zelkova), with dark oil or lacquer finish; lighter softwood secondary wood on drawer interiors; fern-patterned pressed glass sliding door panels; cast metal bail handles and brass knob pull
• Use: Household storage and display cabinet for tea utensils, ceramics, and daily household items
• Modern Use: Entryway console with display storage; living room or home office accent cabinet in Japandi or wabi-sabi style; bedroom nightstand alternative with drawer storage
• Features: Asymmetrical multi-section layout with open upper shelving, small hinged door compartment with brass knob pull, mid-section enclosed by fern-patterned pressed glass sliding doors, interior shelf behind glass section, pair of lower drawers with cast metal bail handles, dark finished hardwood frame with visible grain throughout
• Dimensions: 24 1/4"W x 11 1/4"D x 32"H
• Condition: Excellent

A timeless piece of vintage Japanese furniture, this early Showa Cha tansu brings warmth, craftsmanship, and 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 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.