Beautiful antique Japanese choba tansu, merchant's storage chest, all original finish with keyaki (elm) wood panels on the front finished in a medium brown, sugi (cryptomeria) wood frame finished with a black lacquer, iron hardware, safe box with two small drawers on the inside, Edo Period (early 1800's). Size: 33 1/2" high x 36" wide (37 1/4" wide including side handles) x 15 1/2" deep.

Japanese keyaki bar tansu with original finish, kiri leaf shaped lock on top drawer, bar opens with one key. Dimensions: 24.25" High x 29.5" Long x 20.75" Deep

Rare and Beautiful late Edo period (circa 1850's) small bar tansu from Tohoki area in Japan. Made of keyaki Hardwood with Stunning original glowing finish, accented by round black iron handles with locking bar. Includes hand forged iron stand that supports and floats the piece off the ground. Great original condition. Measures 24" high x 18.5" wide x 14.5" deep.

Lobed pewter bowl with an etched scenery of a rocky seascape, Mount Fuji in the background. The surface matted, silvery. Meiji period, c 1900, seal mark to the base. Diameter "6 ¼ / 16 cm. Condition: a black spot to the exterior removed by polishing (cf. pics).

Swirling free standing bronze dragon reaching upward supporting a golden rutilated quartz energy ball. Three claws on each of the four feet. The dragon has an arching twisted body with an open mouth. Original patina with natural variation of bronze tones.

The Japanese see dragons as benefactors and protectors of mankind. Dragon tattoos symbolize bravery, wisdom, and strength...

An antique Japanese Kyoto Mizuya Tansu in 2 sections made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Keyaki (Zelkova) woods. All original bronze hardware including the Warabite handles. Upper section features 4 sliding doors, a lift-out door, 2 sliding doors behind which is a removable shelf and 4 drawers.

The lower section features 2 sliding doors behind which jars of water were kept for cooking...

An antique Japanese Iwayado Tansu made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Yamasugi (slow growth mountain Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. Main top drawer lock plate has a flying Phoenix with surrounding drawer lock plates featuring Paulownia leaves from which the bird drinks the collected dew to get its energy. A locking bar secures two drawers and a hinged door opens to access four small drawers...

An antique Japanese 2 section Nagoya Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. Cast iron hardware including the Warabite handles. Upper half features 2 pairs of sliding doors and a set of three side by side drawers. Lower half has 2 sliding doors with 2 side by side drawers. The shallow design would accommodate the narrowest of hallways.

Age: Taisho Era (1912-1920)

Dimensions: 35 5/8" Wide by 63 1/8" High by 14 1/2" Deep.

A rare antique Japanese Ryo Biraki (hinged double door) Kimono Tansu made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. The main lock plate features the Paulownia motif with its blooming flowers. The doors have the raised seed pod corners. The hinges display a crescent moon style mount and the drawers handles are positioned close together and below the center line atypical of most other Tansu...

An antique Japanese Kusuri Tansu (medicine or herbal chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original bronze hardware including the Hirute style handles and hand forged iron corners.. Organized into 3 distinct sections. The upper section contains 56 small drawers, the center section has 40 medium sized drawers and the bottom section has 4 large drawers for a total of 100 drawers...

An antique Japanese Iwayado Kimono Tansu made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original Urushi lacquer finish with hand forged iron hardware. Warabite style handles and Kiri Leaf designed lock plates. A single section chest used for Kimono storage consisting of 4 large drawers, 2 small drawers and a security door behind which 4 smaller drawers were used to store valuables.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 48 1/4" Wide by 37" High by 17 1/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Kake Suzuribako (aka calligraphy merchant box) made of Kuri (Chestnut) wood. All original finish and hand forged iron hardware. Hinged lid opens to a storage area where an inkstone and Sumi (ink sticks) were kept. The remainder of the top has a slot where coins were inserted to be kept in the upper drawer out of the sight of wondering eyes. Two additional drawers were used to keep calligraphy brushes and Washi paper used for writing...

An antique Japanese drawer Nagamochi Tansu (storage trunk) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. Unusual all drawer design with shallow upper trunk. All original lacquer finish with interior paper lining. Most likely used for the storage of large vertical textile banners used for advertising or Boy's day celebrations.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1880)

Dimensions: 72 1/2" Wide by 27 3/4" High by 24 1/2" Deep

An antique Japanese Funa Tansu (captain's chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style drawer pulls and the Warabite style carrying handle. Iron strapping over the exterior of the chest. Front security door opens to reveal 4 drawers. A secret hiding area is accessible when the lower drawer is fully removed...

An antique Japanese single section Todana Tansu (display chest) made of HInoki (Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Features 4 sliding doors to upper storage area and 2 sliding doors to main display area. Replaced glass panels offer a view of the items on display. Side slats provide strength, support and visual design.

Age: Meiji period: 1890-1900)

Dimensions: 53 3/4" Wide by 34 1/4" High by 19 1/2" Deep

An antique Japanese 2 section Kamidana (Shinto shrine) Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. In 2 sections, The upper section has 4 sliding doors with Shoji style slats and Hoju (religious flaming jewel) that features a mountainous landscape naturally designed by Akita Sugi wood grain. Below this are two sliding doors with Andon (lantern) style slats...

An antique Japanese 2 section Nihon Matsu Tansu (Kimono chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Original Urushi lacquer and hand forged iron hardware including the double action lock plates and the Warabite handles...

An antique Japanese Kotansu for traveling administrators made of Sugi (Cryptomeria) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hirute style handles. Unusual dual opening drawer allowed two administrators on each side of the tansu to access the same drawers and supplies. Family crest on the door.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 16 3/8" Wide by 23 3/8" High by 20 3/8" Deep

An antique Todana Tansu (storage chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles and the decorative sliding door pulls. A Keyaki (Zelkova) freeze borders the base with a hand carved rope design. Side slats for strength and support on each side. Trapezoid Keyaki door runners to prevent wear to doors when slid. 3 side by side drawers below the doors.

Age: Meiji Era: (1880-1900)

Dimensions: 53 1/2" Wide by 36 3/4 High by ...

In the style of the floral school (rimpa) the decoration represents white and red chrysanthemum (kiku) flowers, treated in gofun, near a fence, on a background of white clouds and gold and silver dust. Period: Meiji. Late 19th century. Dimensions: 367 x H 172 cm.

In remarkable original condition, the gold lacquer decor represents the culmination of techniques for using gold leaf, gyobu nashiji, kirikane, kinji for a decor that continues from the inside of the room. door to the other door in continuity on the drawers. Originally for storage of tea ceremony utensils or cosmetics as gifts from wealthy aristocrats. Original lacquered box with inscription. Meiji period late 19th century. Dimensions: L14,5 x 10 x H11,5 cm.

A rare antique Sado Island Kasane Tansu made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles and original Urushi lacquer finish. All hardware was custom made with no two matching parts. The locking plates feature many auspicious symbols including Ebisu, Daikoku, the Lion Dancers, a crane, two turtles, a Fu Dog and an old wise man. The drawer corners feature a traveler's paraphernalia, the Sho Chiku Bai motif, a Gumbai, and a gathering of dried ...

An antique Japanese Okidoko (low display stand) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. Used in a Tokonoma as a portable display stand atop which decorations like scrolls were hung or flower arrangements were displayed. Drawers were used to store items for display and the interior shelves were used to display seasonal items. All original bronze hardware.

Age: Meiji Era (1890-1900). Dimensions: 31 1/4" Wide by 12 1/4" Deep by 14 1/4" Deep

A rare antique Japanese Sakata Funa Hon Tansu (ship captain's document chest) made of Keyaki burl (Zelkova) in front and Keyaki frame. All original hand forged iron hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. Side carrying handles made of Kaki (Persimmon) wood.

Used in a ship captain's quarters to store valuable documents and books. In the event of a pirate attack, these chests were tied by rope and thrown overboard to prevent them from becoming part of the loot. Once the attack was over, they...

An antique Japanese Funa Tansu (ship chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. All original hand forged iron fittings and finish. Top handle in the Warabite design for carrying. Safe door opens to reveal 5 drawers where important documents, papers, writing brushes, an inkstone and valuables were stored. A trick secret storage box was used to hide important trinkets.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 13" Wide by 14 7/8" High by 16 5/8" Deep ...

An antique Japanese Gyosho Bako (street peddler's chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia). All original hand forged iron hardware. Hinged door opens to 5 inner drawers of varying sizes where special wares were stored. 4 upper rings were used in conjunction with rope to provide back pack support. Unusual back handle was used to assist in lifting the Tansu onto ones back.

Age: Edo Period (1750-1800)

Dimensions: 12" Wide by 25 3/4" High by 21 1/2" Deep

An antique Japanese Ko Tansu (personal storage chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. Hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. Features 6 drawers of varying sizes, a lift-out door and a hinged door behind which 2 small drawers are hidden. Each handle has a metal backstop called Atari that made a knocking sound and functioned as a security precaution if the Tansu were opened or moved.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 27" Wide by 20" High by 1...

An antique Japanese scholars table with inlaid mother of pearl (Raden). The top features a landscape scene with blooming Wisteria, a tree with flowers, birds, water side huts, borders and rippling waves of water. The scene is surrounded by a checkerboard design with a raised lip. Gold makie lacquer highlights the designs on a chestnut brown hardwood.

Age: Meiji Period (1870-1890)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" Wide by 7 3/4" High by 15 1/2" Deep

A rare antique Japanese Kusuri Tansu (pharmacy or medicine chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron Warabite handles. Original drawer labels left intact. 20 drawers total. Great chest for filing papers and documents. Unusually wide drawers compared to the ubiquitous tiny drawers of the typical Kusuri Tansu.

Age: Edo Period (1750-1800)

Dimensions: 29 3/4" Wide by 36 1/8" High by 15 1/8" Deep

An antique Japanese Shikiita Kadai burl wood display stand used for a Bonsai or Ikebana base. Hand carved upper perimeter rim with the organic exterior surrounding edge that was left intact. A beatiful stand that would showcase any object of art.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 32 3/4" Wide by 26 1/4" Deep by 1" High

An antique Japanese 2 section Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Keyaki (Zelkova) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware. Upper section has a pair of sliding doors designed with individual vertical slats with 5 side by side drawers below. Bottom section has 2 sliding doors with spacious storage behind.

Age: Meiji period (1890-1900)

Dimensions: 75 1/4" Wide by 69 5/8" High by 23 1/4" Deep

A rare antique Iwayado Kuruma Choba Tansu (wheeled merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware and Kijiro Urushi lacquer. Featured metalwork includes motifs of Chrysanthemums and Pine trees symbolizing the Takasago Immortal couple. Unusual pod shaped designs on the recessed drawers.

Age: Meiji period (1870-1880). Exhibited in the Palo Alto Cultureal Museum 1995.

Providence:Zentner Private Family Collection

An antique Japanese Kobako (storage box) used for document storage and make entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. Original bronze hardware. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. 2 full depth drawers.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1920)

Dimensions: 12" High by 11 1/2" Wide by 16 3/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Kotansu (document chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the unusual side carrying handles which when swiveled up, allowed a wooden pole through it allowing two persons to transport it. Straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nail construction.

Age: Meiji period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 21" Wide by 16 1/4" High by 14 1/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles and full moon lock plates. With eight exterior drawers, a pair of sliding doors with split level shelf behind and a hinged security door that hides two additional drawers.

Typically used by a store front merchant who showed pride of ownership by showcasing this Tansu in a prominent area of the store for all customers to see.

An antique Japanese Kyodai (mirror stand) made of beautiful Toneriko (Ash) wood. Articulated swivel mirror opens to a compartment of drawers, shelves and a removable tray where make-up and beauty supplies were stored. Hand mirror slides into its holding slot along the side wall. Original bronze hardware. Side carrying handles were hand carved to depict seashells. Mirror has wear to silver.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1920)

Closed 9 3/4" Wide by 14 1/4" High by 10 1/4" Deep, Open 2...