An antique Japanese Kimono Tansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Four large drawers and two small drawers comprise this chest for versatile organizing and storage. Original patina and hand forged iron hardware with straight dovetail Japanese joinery with hardened wooden nail construction...

Antique Japanese keyaki (elm) wood single section isho tansu (clothing chest). Made with keyaki wood burl on the front. Two large exterior drawers and a safe box in the lower right hand side with 2 small interior drawers. Iron hardware with warabite shaped drawer pulls and round foliate lock plates.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 24" high (including stand) x 34 1/2" wide x 15 1/2" deep.

Antique Japanese single section mizuya tansu (kitchen chest). Made of sugi (cryptomeria) wood with details in keyaki (elm). Two large sliding panels with vertical slats open to a large compartment with a shelf. Below this is a horizontal row of four small drawers with round, iron handles...

A Nihon Matsu tansu with hinoki (cypress) wood drawers. The round lock plates on each drawer feature a bird and bamboo leaf motif. There are 4 large drawers with spacious interiors and on the right lower side is a safe box door with key with two interior drawers.

Date: Meiji c1900

Dimensions: 51" X 45" X 17.5"

Japanese antique carved dressing table with tall mirror, ornately carved all over with flowers and long leaves, four curved legs, dark reddish brown finish, made for export, Taisho Period (circa 1920). Provenance: property of Fox and MGM Studios around 1935. Size: 101 1/2" high x 52" wide x 19" deep.

Small Japanese antique tansu for personal use, made all of kiri (paulownia) wood, 1 larger drawer along the top, 3 medium sized drawers down the left side, 3 smaller drawers of varying sizes down the right side, lots iron hardware including warabite shaped drawer pulls, lock plates on every drawer except the one smallest drawer, Meiji Period (1868-1912) Size: 17 1/2" high x 23 3/4" wide x 12 3/4" deep.

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware including the Warabite handles. Pair of sliding doors open to a spacious storage area with a split level shelf on the left side. Six drawers of varying sizes were used for storage and organization. Straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nail construction...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware with Kaute style handles. 6 drawers of varying sizes with a pair of sliding doors and a security door that hides 2 additional drawers and a secret box where valuables were kept.

This Tansu would make a perfect side chest or nightstand.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 32" Wide by 31'" High by 18" Deep

Antique Japanese pair of hibachi (braziers) made with gorgeous natural mulberry wood, recessed dark hardwood handles at its sides, copper lined interior with charming patina. Meiji Period ( 1868 - 1912)

Size: 12" L x 12" W x 11" H

Stunning Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest) from the Matsumoto Area in Japan. Adorned with a red lacquer Keyaki hardwood frame, along with Keyaki (elm) front panels of a golden honey original finish. Highly functional design with many drawers of various sizes, including an unusual long shallow one below a set of sliding door panels with a shelved interior.

Great original condition with fine details. Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 34" L x 14.5" W x 36.5" H

A rare antique Japanese Sakata Kasane Tansu (chest on chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original thick gauge hand made iron hardware with beautiful Chrysanthemum knobs on the lock plates. Constructed using thick solid Paulownia wood for the drawer fronts, the case was made using traditional dovetail joinery with all parts secured by hardened wooden nails...

Japanese antique 2-section choba tansu from the Gifu area. This merchant's chest is made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood and has extensive horizontal wooden slats on the sides for support. The top portion of the chest has sliding panels with horizontal slats which match the sides and one full-width drawer. The larger bottom section also has sliders with horizontal slats and 5 drawers of various sizes...

Pvt. Zentner family Collection

Antique Japanese two section Kiri (Paulownia) wood tansu in original medium brown finish. From the Niigata region. Attractive iron locks on each drawer with floral motifs, squared "kakute" style handles on pierced backplates. Pierced Iron corner hardware. Original Keys included.
Edo age circa 1850s
Size: 34.75" L x 16.75" W x 39.5" H

Japanese Cannon Buroki from the Nagata area in Japan. Edo Age (Circa 1850's). Beautiful original finish on the inside and out. Wonderful condition with deep radiant warm finish. Locking main hinged doors. Dimensions: 38 1/2" High X 33 1/2" Long X 16" Deep

This striking black and gold Japanese antique shop sign is from a Meiji Era (1868 - 1912) headquarters for a drug store chain. It dramatically declares that this shop carries the best elixirs for vitality, the best remedies for high blood pressure, and the most expedient cures for fever. 17.5 x 41 inches (44.5 x 104 cm). Excellent Condition.

An antique Japanese Chonin Kobako (merchant storage box) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original hand forged iron hardware with construction using straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. The drawer handles are of the Kakute style comprising six drawers to organize and secure its contents...

Antique Japanese merchant's chest (choba tansu), made of sugi (cryptomeria) wood with dark red lacquer finish, 4 exterior drawers and safe box with 2 small interior drawers, beautiful heavy iron hardware including elaborate bracing on front frame, wooden bracing on sides and back, from the Mikuni area, Edo Period (late 18th/early 19th century). Size: 32 1/2" high x 38" wide x 18" deep.

Antique Japanese 2-section isho tansu (chest on chest for clothing), made all of kiri (paulownia) wood. Top section has two large drawers and the lower section has two large drawers and a safe box in the lower right hand side. The safe is opened by a hinged door to reveal two small interior drawers. Iron hardware with unusual daikon (radish) shaped lock plates. Lovely foliated iron corner bracing and safe door hardware...

19th Century Kyodai (Japanese Mirror Chests) of this size are rare. Well constructed of a very fine mulberry and pine. Japanese antique mirror boxes like these are honestly undervalued and underpriced. They are the last bargains in the Japanese antique world, relative to their true worth and rare beauty. We strongly suggest buying one now, as we really don't expect this to be the case for too much longer. 38 x 19 x 10 inches, 96 x 48 x 25 cm. Excellent Condition.

An antique Japanese Sendai Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original natural Urushi lacquer with hand forged iron hardware including the lock plates featuring Peonies and a door lock plate featuring a large radish...

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1925)

Dimensions: 18 1/2" H x 23 3/4" W x 11 3/4" D

Antique Japanese ship safe box, or funebako, made with Kiri and Sugi wood in original deep lacquer finish. Its sides and front door have kakute style handles, with simplistic iron bracing on its front door. Original working key is included. Five drawers are sealed away within for safe storage of valuables.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Size: 16" H x 15.5" W x 15.75" D

Unusual choba tansu made with keyaki (elm) wood with large persimmon wood beams running horizontal with through tennon joinery in the frame, identical top and bottom drawer with beautiful keyaki wood, sliding panels also of keyaki wood open to compartment with shelf, iron hardware, Edo/Meiji Period (early 1800's). Size: 35 1/2" high x 28 3/4" wide x 16" deep.

A rare antique Japanese choba biraki tansu (merchant's chest). Made of keyaki (zelkova elm) wood with burled wood on the front. The top portion of the chest has a large full-width drawer. On the right side is vertical row of four small drawers. Two hinged doors open to a shelf and two small interior drawers. And two medium sized drawers line the bottom of the chest. Hand forged iron hardware includes warabite handles, round lock plates and cross bracing on the doors...

A warm grained Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) two piece Yonezawa Isho Tansu (clothing chest from Yonezawa) finely constructed of pine (matsu) and highly desirable paulownia (kiri). 42 x 34 x 16 inches (107 x 86 x 41 cm). Very Good Condition. This chest is from Shonai, a region of Yonezawa that makes chests that are highly prized for their combination of understated Japanese design with a sense of tradition.

An antique Japanese Kimono Tansu made of 100% quartered sawn Keyaki (Zelkova) hardwood and Suginoki interior (Cryptomeria) woods...

Antique Japanese long table made out of a cashier's gate. Turned on it's side, this gate would have defined the area around the cashier's work space in a store. Now made into an attractive and useful piece of modern furniture. The slats of the gate can be seen on the sides as well as through the glass top which was added later. With six compartments for storage or display. Made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood and with it's original patina.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original patina and bronze hardware including the Warabite style handles and the Chrysanthemum incised lock plates. A configuration of 3 large drawers and 2 smaller side by side drawers provides for organization and storage. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. It would work well as a side chest or a bedside nightstand.

Age: Late Meiji/Taisho (1910-1920)

Dime...

Japanese kanto style Kannon Biraki double-stacking personal clothing chest (isho-dansu). Often referred to as a "wedding chest," this tansu would have been used to store a bride's formal wedding kimono. Hinged doors on the upper section open to reveal four drawers. The layout of the drawers is characteristic of the earliest form of kanto style chests. The doors exhibit the traditional configuration of five iron hinges and iron strapping surrounding a round foliate lockplate at the center. W...

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. Hand forged iron hardware and interior drawer pulls featuring escutcheons symbolizing Satsuma where this chest originated. Carrying handles on each side and all the drawers were lacquered front and back in Urushi.

Age: Early Meiji Era (1870-1880)

Dime...

An antique Japanese Gyosho Tansu (peddler's chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. The hinged door opens to 4 drawers where the merchant's wares were stored. The bottom drawer was used to keep documents, writing brushes, an inkstone and other business related accessories. Two iron rings on each side used with rope for carrying this chest on a peddler's back. All original finish and hardware with straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Edo Period (1603-186...

Antique Japanese beautifully contrasted light kiri wood tansu with iron locks, hardware and flower lock fixtures. Tansu has a deep brown/maroon colored lacquered frame. Beautiful tansu, drawers slide easily. Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions: 37" High, 34 1/2" Wide, 17" Deep

Funa dansu of the kakesuzuri-type, with a single hinged front door.
Behind the door, there are two full width drawers, one half-width small drawer and two mid-size ones with iron locks.
The exterior of the chest is made of keyaki (Zelkova) wood, which is unusual. Drawers made of the softer, kiri wood with iron hardware. Wrought iron handle on the top of the chest. Door, corners and edges fitted with sturdy and very decorative ironwork, ornamental lock.
Bottom inscribed in black...

A pair of antique Japanese folding keyaki doors with iron mounts. The door is constructed with mortise and tenon joints. The panels are divided into 7 parts framed with carved decoration and hinged with iron mounts. The carved decoration is finely painted with polychrome mineral pigment with gold gilt accents. The subject matter of the temple doors is a scrolling lotus motif and 8 phoenixes.
The phoenix represents power sent from the heavens to the Empress. If a phoenix was used to decorat...

Japanese kiri (paulownia) wood trunk, original deep red lacquer finish, iron hardware, trunk has curved lid and 2 drawers along the bottom (one large and one small), Edo Period (early 1800's). Size: 26 3/4" high x 34 1/2" wide x 16 3/4" deep.

Antique Japanese single section isho tansu (clothing chest) with two large drawers. Made all of sugi (crytomeria) wood with deep reddish brown lacquer finish on the drawer panels and black lacquer top, sides and front frame. Iron work includes two elaborate lock plates, raised seed pods in corners, and moko shaped drawer pulls. From northern Japan, possibly Nigata area. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size: 18 1/2" high x 32 1/4" wide x 15 1/2" deep.

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Sakuranoki (Cherry wood), Kuri (Chestnut), Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Constructed using through mortise and tenon Japanese joinery. Horizontal side slats match the sliding door slats. Three drawers and the space behind the doors provide spacious storage.

Originally used by a merchant to keep store records, books, supplies and sometimes inventory, this chest works wells in a contemporary setting as a sideboard...

An antique Japanese alter tansu made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Sliding doors cover an area used to store religious books featuring decorative side cut-outs for ventilation. Multiple drawer configuration used to store alter fittings and accessories.

Age: Late Edo Period (1800-1868)

Dimensions: 29 3/8" High x 36" Wide x 14 3/4" Deep

A small, charming Japanese tansu made from kiri (paulownia) wood in a beautiful Natural original finish, with two sliding doors and five drawers with mokko (melon) style handles. Early Taisho Period (circa 1920) Size: 18" H, 25.5" W, 10.5" D

Antique Japanese geta tansu (shoe storage chest). Made of sugi (cryptomeria) wood with marquetry of various woods on the front. The top sliders open to reveal a compartment with a shelf. The lower sliders open to a compartment with 2 shelves. On the right hand side is a compartment with a full height hinged door originally intended for storing umbrellas.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 34 3/4" high x 28" wide x 14" deep

A rare an high quality Japanese Matsumoto Choba Tansu (merchant chest from the Matsumoto region of Japan) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware with full moon style lock plates and Warabite handles. Recessed side handles lift open to accommodate a wood pole through each handle allowing two persons to carry the tansu from place to place. Solid floating wood panels on the side, the top and the sliding doors were used to prevent cracks over ...

Antique Japanese Tansu Chest Nambu Kimono Chestnut Meiji An antique Japanese Kimono Tansu (chest of drawers) from the Nambu region made of Kuri (Chestnut) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand made iron fittings including the three dimensional style lock plates and top drawer handle backplates of which Nambu is known for having created. The handles are of the Warabite style and the lock plates feature floral designs. The security door at the bottom right features good ...

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware. Opposing hinged doors with the right side securing 2 drawers and the left side hiding 2 removable trays and a drawer. The balance of the chest has 9 drawers of varying sizes to storage and organization. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

The Kotansu was an all purpose chest used to keep important documents, valuables, writing ...

Japanese antique isho tansu (clothing chest) from the Sendai area, made with keyaki wood on drawer fronts, highly raised and incised black iron hardware including elaborate lock plates in the form of large peony blossoms and scrolling leaves. Moko shaped Iron drawer pulls incised with tiny flowers, 4 large drawers, 2 small exterior drawers. A safe box on the right side has beautifully ornate hardware in a peony motif. 2 small interior drawers also with keyaki wood and finished to match th...

An antique Japanese Chobako (merchant storage box) made of Kurinoki (Chestnut) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand made iron fittings including the Hirute drawer handles and the Warabite carrying handle. It features unique Cherry blossom escutcheons behind the drawer handles and a coin slot at the top that drops into the top left drawer. The other 5 drawers were used to safely keep small store valuables.

Signed at the base that translates to read: "Made Meiji 40 (1907)...

Antique Japanese low square table. Made of unusually dense hardwood. Overall elegant lines with simply carved legs and beautiful grain.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 13 1/4" high x 29 3/8" wide x 29 3/8" wide

Antique Japanese 2-section isho tansu (clothing chest), made all of kiri (paulownia) wood. The top section has two large full width drawers. The bottom section has one large full width drawer and one medium drawer. The lower right hand side has a safe box with heavy iron work on the hinged door. Inside are two small drawers. The front of the chest has beautiful heavy iron hardware including warabite shaped drawer pulls. The side has iron handles for locking the top and bottom section toge...

A small sized kiri or paulownia wood tansu with iron decorative fittings and locks surrounding the drawers and the sides of the tansu. The locks are decorated with motifs in the form of a plant and curved features for the side fittings. The bottom of all the drawers contain an inscription of which drawer goes where and the name of the previous owner. The top drawer, which has the most inscriptions, states that the tansu was acquired on November 23, 24th year of Meiji (1891) in the town of Mitsu...

An antique Japanese Cha Tansu (tea chest) made of Sakuranoki (Cherry) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. The body was constructed using Japanese Unique stylized four leaf clover cut-out design window allows natural light to showcase the interior shelf display. Upper four sliding doors opens to a spacious storage area. Below this to the upper left is a lift-out door behind which is more storage. Four multi-level shelves allowed for prominent viewing of seasonal and cultural decorations. Addit...

Japanese Keyaki (zelkova) choba tansu (merchant chest) with complete original lacquer finish. Quartered sawn keyaki hardwood relieving the distinctive woodgrain seen on all sides. Solid Keyaki hardwood used in every part of construction. Adorned in heavy iron hardware and original locking bar. Excellent original condition. Working keys are included. This is a top example of a Edo period Japanese Choba Tansu.

Edo period 19th Century

Size: 23.5" H x 27.5" L x 14.25"...

Antique Japanese tansu with original deep-red lacquer finish. The top portion of the chest has three full-width drawers and locking bar. The lower portion of the chest has two medium sized drawers with a locking bar on the left hand side, a safe box on the right. The safe box door has heavy iron work and opens to reveal 3 small interior drawers. Other iron hardware includes warabite drawer pulls, extensive corner bracing and handles for carrying. The sides and back of the tansu are reinforc...

Antique Japanese todana mizuya (kitchen cabinet) made from a beautiful keyaki burl wood in reddish brown hues, with two sets of sliding panels, 8 drawers in varying size, and one pull-out panel with a ring handle. It has a very interesting and unusual form, with slats running down its sides and back. The inside of the top set of sliding panels has an aged sheet of paper marked with kanji. Edo age, circa 1870 Size: 49.75" height, 39" width, 18" depth

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest) made all of kiri (paulownia) wood. A full width drawer on the top most portion, three medium drawers on the left opposite a hinged safe box door (with key) with 3 interior drawers. The lower portion of the tansu has two shallow drawers positioned side-by-side over another full-width drawer on the bottom. Iron hardware includes square drawer pulls, unusual lock plates on the drawers and safe box with cross bracing.

Age: Edo Period (1...

An antique Japanese Mikuni Gyosho Bako (Peddler's Box) that originates from the Chūbu region of Japan. Made of Keyaki (Zelkova), Hinoki (Cypress), and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. Hand made iron fittings and hardened wooden nails complete this unique piece. Behind the hinged door lies 3 drawers and a storage shelf. The carrying handle atop the chest allowed for easy transport from place to place.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 24" High x 8 3/4" Wide x 11" Deep

Antique Japanese large 2-section storage tansu for an herbal merchant. Made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood, beautifully worn and patinated from years of use. The top section has a large compartment opened by two sliding panels and with two interior shelves. The bottom section has 38 drawers for storage of various herbs and wares. Every drawer has an iron hirute-shaped pull.

Age: Early Meiji period (circa mid 1800's)

Dimensions: 67 3/4" high x 71 1/2" wide x 18" deep ...

An antique Japanese low Mizuya Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original iron handles on upper sliding doors. A pair of large sliding doors allows for spacious storage. Originally used in Japan as a kitchen chest for the storage of dry goods and cooking/serving ware, it would function well as a buffet or sideboard chest.

Age: Meiji/Taisho Era (1910-1920).

Dimensions: 47 3/4" Wide by 31" High by 14 5/8" Deep

Antique Japanese 2-section mizuya tansu (kitchen chest) from the Mikuni area. Made with hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood framing and beautifully grained keyaki (zelkova elm) wood panels on the drawers and sliders. The frame is lacquered a rich reddish-orange while the slider frames are lacquered black. The top section has an unusual, narrow full width compartment on the very top with two sliders. Below this is a large compartment also with two sliders beside a small compartment on the right op...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant Chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress), Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original Shunkei Nuri (lacquer) on the front with a wiped lacquer technique on the top and sides which accentuates the beautiful grain pattern of the woods. The backs of all the drawers were made using very thick wood. The hand made iron hardware is also original including the stylized Gumbai handles and the bronze sliding door handles. Natural aged dark patina surr...

Japanese antique 2-section cha tansu (tea chest). The frame of this chest is made of solid keyaki (elm) wood and the front has persimmon wood veneer with dramatic grain. The top section has a compartment covered with four small sliding panels and a large compartment with glass sliders for display. Inside the glass display area are stepped shelves, a smaller square glass door compartment, another compartment with batik covered sliding panels depicting Mt. Fuji. There is a small drawer in th...

An antique Japanese Bo Tansu (locking bar chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. Warabite style handles. Three full width drawers and bottom partial width drawer with hinged security door hiding 3 small drawers. Underneath bottom small drawer lies a secret area where important flat documents or valuables were hidden from plain sight. Side and rare back slats added strength and visual design to this beau...