Vintage Japanese Ko tansu, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0512-2

Vintage Japanese Ko tansu, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0512-2

A compact stacked-drawer chest with dramatically figured wood fronts and brass drop-ring pulls -- a striking example of vintage Japanese craft.

A Ko tansu is a small personal chest of drawers used in traditional Japanese households to store documents, accessories, sewing tools, and other valuables kept close at hand. This example, dating to the Mid Showa period (1946-1965), showcases the hallmark quality of postwar Japanese vintage furniture: multiple stacked drawers fronted in boldly figured hardwood -- likely keyaki (zelkova) or a similarly grained domestic species -- displaying swirling burl patterns and sweeping linear grain that give each drawer face its own expressive character. A dark-stained frame and dividers create a strong graphic contrast against the warm amber tones of the drawer fronts, while the plain side panels reveal a clean, undecorated aesthetic consistent with mid-century Japanese production. The drawer interiors are lined in pale secondary wood, left unfinished in the traditional manner.

At just under a foot square and standing roughly 18 inches tall, this handcrafted Japanese Ko tansu is ideally sized for a modern home. Place it on a bedroom dresser or vanity to serve as a jewelry box and accessories organizer -- each drawer perfectly proportioned for rings, earrings, and small keepsakes. On a home office desk it becomes a stylish desktop storage unit for stationery, correspondence, or craft supplies, bringing a wabi-sabi aesthetic to any workspace. It also works beautifully as a living room accent piece or entryway organizer for keys and small daily essentials. A refined and functional gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone drawn to Japandi style decor.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Boldly figured hardwood drawer fronts, possibly keyaki (zelkova); secondary wood drawer interiors; dark-stained frame and carcass
• Use: Personal storage chest for documents, accessories, and small valuables
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and vanity organizer; desktop storage for a home office; decorative accent piece for living room or entryway
• Features: Multiple stacked drawers with highly figured burl-pattern fronts; dark-stained dividers and frame; brass drop-ring bail pulls on each drawer; unfinished light-wood drawer interiors; plain side panels; low plinth base
• Dimensions: 11 3/4"W x 11 3/4"D x 18"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully grained piece of vintage Japanese vintage furniture that brings quiet elegance and functional charm 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.