Antique Japanese Tansu in Wood

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Antique Japanese Tansu – Showa Period (c.1927)Dimensions: Length: 85 cm Depth: 41 cm Height: 101 cmStyle: ShowaMaterials and techniques: Paulownia … Read more Antique Japanese Tansu – Showa Period (c.1927)Dimensions: Length: 85 cm Depth: 41 cm Height: 101 cmStyle: ShowaMaterials and techniques: Paulownia (Paulownia spp.)Place of origin: JapanEpoch: Early ShowaDate of manufacture: Circa 1927Condition: Good. Wear commensurate with age and use.Original Japanese tansu from the Shōwa period, with a compact vertical format and well-balanced proportions, conceived as a functional piece of domestic storage furniture. The composition combines sliding upper compartments with a sequence of drawers of different sizes, organized according to a clear and practical logic.The cabinet is crafted entirely in paulownia (Paulownia spp.), a lightweight and stable wood widely used in Japanese furniture for its resistance to humidity and excellent long-term behavior. The drawer interiors retain the characteristic pale tone of paulownia, while the exterior surfaces show a warm, even patina developed through decades of use.Original iron fittings—including circular lock plates, recessed drawer pulls, and reinforced corner brackets—structure the façade with restraint and precision, reinforcing the sober and utilitarian character of the piece.During the Shōwa period, Japanese furniture evolved toward more rational and efficient domestic forms, responding to changing living conditions while preserving traditional construction techniques. Pieces from this era emphasize practicality, durability, and a restrained aesthetic suited to everyday life.Visible wear on the wood—softened edges, surface marks, and tonal variations—is consistent with the age of the piece and forms an essential part of its wabi-sabi character, reflecting a piece designed for continuous domestic use.with its dimensions, this tansu functions naturally as a chest of drawers, auxiliary storage cabinet, or a strong focal element in contemporary, Japanese, or eclectic interiors.The state of conservation is optimal, except for the characteristic imperfections of any antique produced by the passage of time.Give a point of originality to your home with a unique piece, which merges with the contemporary style bringing personality to your home. See less