Antique Japanese Meiji Period Mizuya Tansu With Unique Calligraphy

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This exceptional two-part Japanese mizuya tansu (kitchen cabinet) is a truly unique find from the Meiji Period, a time of … Read more This exceptional two-part Japanese mizuya tansu (kitchen cabinet) is a truly unique find from the Meiji Period, a time of profound cultural change in Japan. A highly functional and essential piece of furniture in traditional homes, this cabinet embodies the rustic beauty of Japanese craftsmanship and the aesthetic principles of wabi-sabi—the celebration of beauty in imperfection and the natural cycle of life.
Crafted from a light-toned wood, likely Japanese cedar or cypress, the cabinet features an elegant, unadorned design that allows the natural grain and warm patina to be the main focus. The piece is composed of two stackable sections, a classic design for ease of mobility. The top section features a single, spacious compartment with smooth-gliding doors, while the lower section offers versatile storage with a combination of additional sliding doors and multiple drawers of varying sizes. The original, understated metal hardware remains intact, showing the gentle wear of over a century.
What sets this particular tansu apart is the beautiful, hand-painted calligraphic inscription on the main sliding doors. This unique feature is a poetic phrase, possibly a sentiment for the owner or a reminder of life's simple truths. The characters translate to themes of "freshness of spirit" and the "passage of time," transforming this cabinet from a simple storage piece into an artifact with a story.
This mizuya tansu is in good, unrestored antique condition, which is highly sought after by collectors and designers. The piece shows signs of its long life, including minor scuffs, and a deep, aged patina that can only be achieved over time. These are not flaws but rather a testament to its authenticity and history.
This is a perfect statement piece for a variety of interiors, from a minimalist space that needs a touch of warmth and history to an eclectic or bohemian home that values handcrafted, soulful objects. It is a rare opportunity to own a functional piece of Japanese art with a unique, personal touch.
• Period: Meiji Period (1868-1912) 
• Style: Japanese, Rustic, Wabi-Sabi
• Material: Japanese Cedar (Sugi) or Cypress (Hinoki)
• Condition: Good, unrestored antique condition. Consistent with age and use, with a rich patina.

• Dimensions:
• Overall: H 66 in. x W 35 in. x D 18 in.
• Top Section: H 28 in. x W 35 in. x D 18 in.
• Bottom Section: H 38 in. x W 35 in. x D 18in. See less