Vintage Japanese Ko tansu, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26J-0170

Vintage Japanese Ko tansu, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26J-0170

A compact Japanese storage chest with a warm honey-wood body and striking black metal hardware -- a versatile accent for Japandi-style interiors.

A Ko tansu is a small-scale Japanese storage chest, traditionally used to organize personal belongings such as folded garments, accessories, or household sundries. Compact enough to sit on a shelf or beside a bed, the Ko tansu was prized for its efficient use of space in the modest rooms of Japanese homes. This example, dating to the Late Showa era, features a warm honey-toned wood body with a clean, straight grain -- consistent with kiri wood (paulownia), the most common choice for tansu construction due to its light weight and natural resistance to moisture. The front face is fitted with multiple drawers in a tiered configuration: a row of smaller side-by-side drawers at the top graduating to wider, deeper drawers below -- a classic layout that maximizes storage in a minimal footprint. Each drawer is dressed with decorative black metal corner fittings, ornate bracket hardware, and a D-ring drop pull, giving the piece its signature tansu character. The open-drawer view reveals clean, unfinished wood interiors in excellent condition -- a hallmark of careful Japanese craftsmanship and thoughtful storage use.

Today, this handcrafted Japanese Ko tansu translates beautifully into modern living spaces. Its compact proportions make it an ideal bedside nightstand with built-in drawer storage, keeping reading essentials, jewelry, or small accessories neatly organized. Set it on a desk or credenza as a home office organizer for stationery, cables, and personal items, or place it in an entryway as a decorative accent to hold keys, wallets, and daily carry items. The warm wood tone and bold black hardware pair effortlessly with Japandi style, wabi-sabi aesthetic, and minimalist decor -- making it an equally compelling gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates Japanese vintage furniture with a modern sensibility.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Kiri wood (paulownia); black metal corner fittings, bracket hardware, and D-ring drop pulls
• Use: Personal storage chest for clothing, accessories, or household items
• Modern Use: Bedside nightstand with drawer storage; home office desk organizer; entryway accent cabinet
• Features: Tiered drawer configuration with smaller drawers at top graduating to wider drawers below; ornate black metal corner fittings and decorative bracket hardware at each drawer face; D-ring drop pulls on every drawer; flat base plinth; clean unfinished wood drawer interiors
• Dimensions: 15"W x 9 7/8"D x 17 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully crafted piece of vintage Japanese furniture that brings warmth, quiet order, and timeless wabi-sabi charm 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.