Vintage Japanese Ko tansu, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0573-1

Vintage Japanese Ko tansu, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0573-1

A compact mid-century storage cabinet blending traditional tansu craftsmanship with postwar Japanese domestic style

A Ko tansu is a small, portable Japanese storage cabinet historically used to keep personal belongings close at hand -- beside a sleeping area, on a writing desk, or in a dressing room. This handcrafted example from the mid-Showa era features a warm two-tone wood construction with a straight-grained hardwood body framed in darker stained wood, giving it a quietly refined look that reflects the transitional aesthetic of postwar Japanese furniture design. The open upper shelf is flanked by carved fan-shaped carry-through cutouts on each side -- a charming detail that makes the piece easy to move and visually lightens its compact form. Below the shelf, a pair of sliding panel doors with recessed brass cup pulls conceal a generous interior storage space, while a pull-out drawer at the base, fitted with a small brass bar pull, adds a second layer of organized storage. The raised molding detail on each door panel adds depth and craftsmanship to what might otherwise be a utilitarian piece, marking it as vintage Japanese furniture made with genuine care.

Today this Ko tansu is a versatile find for anyone who appreciates Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic in their living space. Its compact footprint -- just over 14 inches wide -- makes it an ideal bedside table with built-in storage, keeping a book on the open shelf and personal items tucked behind the sliding doors. It works equally well as a home office desk organizer, a bathroom organizer for rolled towels and toiletries, or a living room accent piece to display a small plant or ceramic on top while hiding remotes and cables inside. This is a thoughtful housewarming gift or a unique gift for collectors of mid-century modern or vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Straight-grained hardwood, possibly nara (Japanese oak) or tamo (Japanese ash), with darker stained wood framing; brass metal hardware
• Use: Compact personal storage cabinet -- originally used bedside or on a writing desk to organize daily essentials
• Modern Use: Bedside nightstand with storage, home office desk organizer, or living room accent cabinet
• Features: Open upper shelf with carved fan-shaped carry-through side handles; sliding panel doors with recessed brass cup pulls; pull-out drawer with brass bar pull; raised molding panel detail on door fronts; two-tone wood construction
• Dimensions: 14 1/4"W x 11 1/4"D x 12 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully proportioned piece of vintage Japanese furniture that brings handcrafted warmth and practical storage 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.