Early 20th Century Bamboo and Hinoki Wood Japanese Cabinet (Tansu)

Details

Description

A striking two-part Japanese cabinet (tansu), dating to the early 20th century, most likely Meiji to Taisho period (circa 1900s–1920s). … Read more A striking two-part Japanese cabinet (tansu), dating to the early 20th century, most likely Meiji to Taisho period (circa 1900s–1920s). The piece combines a rich, dark-stained hardwood case with warm chestnut-toned hinoki drawer fronts and decorative bamboo paneling, exemplifying traditional Japanese cabinetry construction.
The upper section features a pair of wide sliding doors, each faced with vertical bamboo slat paneling in a tightly-set reed pattern — a design often used on mizuya-dansu (kitchen/pantry cabinets) for both ventilation and decorative texture. The doors are set within a substantial dark wood frame and slide on a traditional wooden track, revealing storage space above a solid lower panel.
The lower section houses two side-by-side banks of four graduated drawers (eight drawers total), each fitted with hand-forged iron hardware, including sturdy drop-bail pulls and rectangular pierced escutcheon plates with decorative pierced-metal detailing — classic hallmarks of quality tansu ironwork. The bottom right compartment includes an additional iron hasp and lock plate, suggesting a secured storage area, possibly for valuables or important papers.
The drawer fronts display beautiful cathedral wood grain in warm reddish-brown tones, consistent with well-figured hinoki or zelkova (keyaki), while the case retains an attractive aged patina throughout. See less