Antique Japanese two-section Mastumoto tansu, made from sugi (cedar) wood with mokko (melon) handles mounted on elaborate handle backplates typical to the region, large round center lock plates with incised kiri leaf mon, or family crests. It has the original red lacquer finish and is extremely shiny. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size: 42.5" height, 34" width, 16.5" depth

Japanese antique keyaki choba tansu from Fukushima prefecture Japan. Use as an accountant's chest. Beautiful lacquered elmwood burl with a translucent re-finish. Square locks an iron handles in excellent condition. Meiji Period, (1868-1912), circa 1880's. Size: 16" deep x 34.5" wide x 35" high

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) from the Nihon Matsu region of Japan made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. Lock plates have double pine tree design to symbolize longevity and good luck. 6 drawers of various sizes for organizing and storage. A pair of sliding doors behind which a split level shelf kept merchant records and books. Side handles to each side for carrying tansu from place to place...

An antique Japanese Two-Section Kaidan Tansu (stair chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Hirute handles. Made in two sections allowing for easier placement through a door or entrance. Drawers of varying sizes for organizing with a large hinged door with spacious storage behind and a lift out door on the top step with two wooden hooks where security keys were kept...

An antique Getabako Tansu (shoe cabinet) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Removable shelf. Single section chest that would make a wonderful buffet or shoe storage cabinet. Top has been reinforced.

Age: Meiji period (1890-1900)

Dimensions: 53 1/8" Wide by 27 1/2" High by 15 3/8" Deep

A rare antique Japanese large Kannon Biraki Tansu made entirely of thick Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Using straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wood nails, this specially commissioned tansu was custom designed and made for a bride's dowry. Its purpose was for storing the bride's wedding kimono and accoutrements after the ceremony ...

Antique Japanese gyosho bako, or merchant's chest, in a tall and slender style with many drawers. It is made of kiri (paulownia) wood with a dark brown lacquer. The drawers bear an emblem faded from age, perhaps once used to label the contents inside. The very bottom drawer has an iron locking plate. Edo age (1615-1867). Exhibited in Palo Alto Cultural Center. Size: 36" height, 11" width, 14" depth

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) entirely made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. In the Biraki style, it features two hinged doors that hide 12 drawers for the storage and organization of store records, papers and wares...

Antique Japanese rare gyosho bako (peddler's box) for a barber. A set of 3 separated boxes that fit together and can be easily carried. The largest box has 5 drawers with bronze hardware including hirute shaped drawer pulls and decorative peony back plates. The top of the box has 2 open compartments, a small covered compartment, and a handle for carrying. On the right side, a smaller box attaches onto the large box with 2 hooks...

An antique Japanese Sendai Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. The front features a beautiful finish of natural Urushi lacquer with a top and sides finished in a wiped lacquer technique. The Sendai tansu showcases a wide top drawer lock plate that highlights an incised stylized Chrysanthemum blossom with its corresponding leaves. The Mokko style handles also feature Chrysanthemum back plates...

Beautiful and dramatic antique Japanese isho tansu (clothing chest) from the Nihonmatsu area, 2-sections, made with keyaki wood front and sugi wood frame, safe box with key, lovely original deep red/orange translucent lacquer finish, iron hardware, Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 47 1/2" high x 45 1/4" wide x 18 1/2" deep.

Original Antique Japanese gyosho bako (merchant's chest) made from kiri (paulownia) wood with a red lacquer finish. Its front features two doors on iron hinges, with iron fan shaped corner hardware and locks. Many drawers of varying size and handle styles sit within. The sides of the box have iron rings for a merchant to attach straps and carry. Original condition and glowing finish. Wonderful piece. Edo age (1615-1868) Size: 34" height, 11.75" width, 22" depth

An unique antique Japanese tansu of hinoki wood and iron hardware. It has the original patina with 10 drawers and a large top shelf. Dates from the Edo period.

Date: 18th/19th C

Dimensions: 38" tall X 37" wide X 11.5" wide

Japanese antique kusuri tansu, chest with many drawers for storing medicinal herbs for an apothecary. Made of kiri (paulownia) wood with sugi (cryptomeria) wood frame. Small hand holds cut in the sides for convenience. Each of the 49 small drawers is labeled with a paper label. Older labeling in ink can be seen on some drawers. The lower portion of the chest has three medium sized drawers...

Rare Japanese small Tansu made with Keyaki wood with multible small drawers. A locking bar fastens vertically in front of tansu secures the drawers. Dated inscription on bottom reads year 1766, " Meiwa 3" Edo Period: 1766 Dimensions: 16.5" Tall, 20" Wide, 12" Deep

Unusual Japanese antique gyosho bako (peddler's box), made of sugi (cryptomeria) wood, iron hardware including loops for rope so that peddler could carry box on his back, 4 drawers and a safe box, three interior drawers, Meiji Period. Size: 35 1/4" high x 11" wide x 16 1/4" deep.

Antique Japanese storage tansu made with all keyaki (elm) wood on the front, sugi (cryptomeria) wood on the top and sides. The upper portion of the tansu has a large compartment opened by sliding panels with wide, horizontal slats. The lower portion has 5 drawers of various sizes. Square drawer pulls are made of iron. Original translucent, deep reddish lacquer finish. This tansu was most likely made to seat into the wall of a house...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods...