Large Japanese Tansu Chest of Drawers, Storage Cabinet, 1900s, 1890s

Details

Description

This antique Japanese tansu is made of two stackable sections and combines a bold, dark front with warm chestnut-brown wood … Read more This antique Japanese tansu is made of two stackable sections and combines a bold, dark front with warm chestnut-brown wood on the sides, top, and back.

Dimensions: height 105.5 cm, width 85 cm, depth 41 cm. Dating: ca. 1900.

The layout was designed for real everyday use and still feels remarkably practical today. At the top there is a full-width drawer. The middle section features a large, deep drawer alongside a lockable compartment with a door that stands out for its heavy, decorative ironwork and long strap hinges; behind the door are two additional small drawers. At the bottom you’ll find two generous drawers for larger items.

Beautiful iron fittings run throughout the piece: corner guards, lock plates and handles with refined detailing. The keys are present, though we recommend using them with care, as locks that are over a hundred years old are never fully “reliable,” even when they still work.

Both sections have sturdy side handles, making the cabinet easier to move. The tansu is in good, nicely aged condition, with patina and wear marks that add depth and character to the surface.

In a contemporary interior, it works especially well as a sideboard in a living room or hallway, as elegant storage for linens, paperwork and accessories, or as a statement piece topped with ceramics, art books or a lamp. An authentic interior accent that instantly brings warmth and history. See less