Antique Japanese Mizuya-Dansu Cabinet – Meiji/Taisho Period Kitchen Chest With Lattice Doors, Bamboo Paneling & Multiple Drawers

Details

Description

An exceptional, large-scale antique Japanese mizuya-dansu (kitchen/pantry cabinet), dating to the Meiji–Taisho period (circa late 1800s–1920s). This impressive multi-tiered case … Read more An exceptional, large-scale antique Japanese mizuya-dansu (kitchen/pantry cabinet), dating to the Meiji–Taisho period (circa late 1800s–1920s). This impressive multi-tiered case piece showcases the full range of traditional Japanese cabinetmaking techniques and is a true showpiece of tansu craftsmanship, likely originally used in a merchant home or restaurant to store dishware, utensils, and provisions.
The upper section features a bank of sliding wood-panel doors on the left, paired with an elegant kumiko-style latticework sliding door on the right — a hallmark of fine Japanese joinery, traditionally used for ventilation while concealing contents. Below, a row of woven bamboo/rattan lattice sliding panels (mushiko-mado style) allows airflow, flanking a nest of six small graduated drawers with iron bail pulls on the right-hand side — ideal for organizing smaller kitchen items, chopsticks, or spices.
The mid-section houses a wide row of six drawers of varying widths, each fitted with hand-forged iron drop-bail handles, offering generous storage for linens, tools, or tableware.
The lower section is fitted with a pair of wide sliding doors faced in vertical bamboo/wood slat paneling with decorative iron stud detailing, opening to a deep storage cavity — likely intended for larger cookware or bulk goods. The base is finished with a row of five additional drawers, providing yet further storage.
The piece is constructed of a rich reddish-brown hardwood case (likely cedar or pine) with elm (keyaki) drawer fronts displaying handsome grain figuring, and it retains all original hand-forged iron hardware throughout, including pulls, latches, and decorative fittings.

Construction & Materials
Case: cedar/pine (sugi) with dark patina
Drawer fronts: keyaki (Japanese elm) with prominent grain
Sliding panels: solid wood, latticework (kumiko), and woven bamboo/rattan inlay
Hardware: original hand-forged iron pulls and fittings See less