An antique Japanese Tohoku Tansu made of beautiful Keyaki Burl root (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original finish and hand made iron fittings including stylized Kakute handles. The top and sides used a traditional wiped lacquer technique. Raised tea leaf style corners on the drawers which is a traditional design for this region of tansu...

Japanese Marquetry wood inlaid Hanging Cabinet or hanging cupboard with doors, one(1) shelf inside, Meiji period, later part of 1800's, 24 3/4" high, 22 1/2", 6" deep. All the Marquetry inlaid wood designs are on the front part of the doors and the top area, representing typical Japanese Artistic Symbols on the Hardwood Cedar and other mixed wood, and Brass key hole is not complete...

An antique Kanazawa Tansu Japanese chest in a single section Todana style. All original lacquer finish and bronze hardware. Made of Keyaki (Zelkova) burl and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. 4 side by side drawers with a pair of sliding doors covering a spacious storage area. Constructed using through mortise and tenon joinery with side slats for additional strength and Japanese visual design.

Age: Meiji Era (1900-1910)

Dimensions: 50" Wide by 26 1/4" High by 18" Deep

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style handles. Locking bar secures 3 drawers behind it and the center design is the family crest of the family who commissioned this chest to be made...

Japanese large three(3) section Kimono Tansu with ornate decorative simple hardware, Ca. 1920, 60" high, 47" wide, upper section has two(2) sliding doors reveals open space with shelves on the right side, and two(2) small drawers for lady's necessary assortment and jewelry in the left side above three(3) large drawers horizontally next each other and middle drawer has lock compartment with very pretty flower shape metal lock backplate...

An antique Japanese Ko Tansu (personal storage chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand made iron fittings including the Warabite handles and finish. The front has a natural Kirinoki wood finish while the case was finished in a wiped Urushi lacquer technique. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1880)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" Wide x 20" High x 13" Deep

An antique Japanese Chobako (merchant box) made of Sugi (Cryptomeria) and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware. Hinged safety door protects 6 drawers that were used for various merchant supplies, valuables and papers. Upper carrying handle used to move piece to various locations.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 12 1/4" Wide by 14 1/2" High by 17" Deep

An antique Japanese Chobako (merchant safe-keep box) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood with original hand forged iron hardware. Acquired a beautiful 200+ year old age patina. Hinged door secures 3 drawers behind which lies a secret box located behind the side by side drawers above.

Unusual side footing purposely made to provide air flow under the box...

Antique Japanese red over black lacquer low table with negoro finish. It is decorated with incised scrolling leaves and floral design, scallop legs, circa 1910. It measures 35.5" wide 35.75" long 13.25" tall.

An antique Japanese merchant desk (Choba Tsukue) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress). Beautiful natural burl grain to the drawer fronts. Hand forged iron Hikute handles with 3 drawers to either side balanced by a center drawer.

Merchant desks were an invaluable piece of furniture for any Japanese store. The desk delineated the merchant from the customer allowing him to write business records and receipts...

Antique Japanese tansu made from Keyaki (zelkova) wood with a deep red lacquer and a gorgeous woodgrain. It has a central vertical lockbar with ornate iron decorations over two large drawers, with squared handles. Key included.

Late Edo Age circa 1850

Size: 18.75" height, 36" width, 16.5" depth

Antique Japanese kyodai (box with drawers and mirror). Made with burled mulberry wood with intricate grain. The interior is all kiri (paulownia) wood with a wiped lacquer finish inside the drawers. The box has 5 drawers of various sizes for storing personal items. The spandrel under the mirror is carved with a bird flying in front of a full moon and tall grasses. Original beveled glass mirror which swivels up and down...

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 small gyosho bako (merchant safe box) made of Kiri (paulownia) wood in original red lacquer finish and black lacquer frame. Old working key included to unlock the front door to reach two drawers within. The top has raised edges with iron braced holes to securely carry the box.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 10” W x 13” D x 13.25” H

Beautiful antique japanese cha tansu made with persimon wood, made in two sections, quality metal hardware, drawers pulls have a delicate petal design, rounded drawer face on lower cabinet, tiered shelving in middle section with two sliding doors, two larger sliding glass panels cover middle section. Measures 14.75" deep 34.75" wide 59.5" tall.

An antique Japanese Ko Tansu (personal storage chest) and of Kiri (Paulownia), Hinoki (Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Mokko handles. A hinged door hides two small drawers behind and two sliding doors hide a storage space where books and reading material was tucked away.

Its original purpose was for the storage of papers, ephemera, letters, documents, books and small accessories...

Antique Japanese small ko tansu (chest for personal storage). Made all of kiri (paulownia) wood. The chest has sliding panels on the top portion which open two a single compartment. Below this is a row of 3 small drawers over two full-width drawers. Hardware is made of cast iron.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dimensions: 24 1/4" high x 22" wide x 13" deep

Antique Japanese trunk made of kiri (paulownia) wood with a deep red finish, bordered in black lacquer. Two iron handles are at its sides, a gourd-shaped iron lock decorates the front. The blonde interior has been marked with kanji. Edo age (1615-1867) Size: 22" height, 34" width, 15.5" depth

Antique Japanese horse saddle, wooden frame with brass hardware, leather is decorated with orange and gold lacquer with peony design, indigo cotton fabric with woven mesh saddle cover with long fringe, Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 18" high x 31" wide x 25" deep.

Antique Japanese small ko tansu (personal chest) made of kiri (paulownia) wood. The top portion has a compartment opened by a pair of sliding doors. Below this is a series of drawers of various sizes: three small on the right and two medium sized drawers on the left. The very bottom of the chest has one full-width drawer. Hardware includes warabite shaped drawer pulls.

Age: Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 23 1/2" high x 22 1/2" wide x 14 1/4" deep

An antique Japanese scholar's Ko Tansu (personal storage chest) made of Kurinoki (Chestnut) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. 3 side by side drawers above and below sliding doors where documents, brushes and paper were stored. Behind the doors is a split level shelf where books were kept with 2 small drawers to the right side...

An antique Japanese scholar's table made of Kokutan (Ebony) and Bamboo. Beautiful original Urushi lacquer finish and constructed using Japanese joinery for strength and durability. Beaded Ebony contains the Bamboo that decorates the stand and leg structure creating an elegant refined presentation. The stand has beautiful negative cutouts on the apron front and back...

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged hardware including the Warabite style handles. The security door hides 2 drawers where valuables were kept. Constructed using straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meiji period: (1880-1890) Dimensions: 36 3/4" Wide by 39 3/4" High by 16 3/8" Deep

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

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood with a front Kakinoki (Persimmon) trim. All original hand forged iron hardware including the full moon lock plates and the Warabite style handles. Natural wood aged patina. Security door hides 2 small drawers where valuables were kept. Constructed using straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. Can be used and displayed stacked or side by side. Space permitting, these can also be used as bedside nightstand...

An antique Japanese Isho Biraki (Kimono chest with doors) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. Upper section opens to 4 removable Kimono trays, 2 Obi trays and 3 small accessory drawers. The bottom section has 3 large drawers for additional spacious storage of clothes. All original hardware and constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1920)

Dimensions: 37 1/4" Wide by 64 1/4" High by 17 3/4" Deep

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

Antique Japanese Yonezawa area keyaki lacquered box with sugi frame. Wrought iron handles with iron backings and a locking mechanism on the bottom drawer. Original condition, Beautiful glowing finish

Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 18" wide x 14.25"deep x 17.25"tall.

Antique Japanese kyodai (vanity box with mirrors). With three hinged mirrors that close inward. The back mirror swivels up and down. The box has 8 drawers of various sizes. The box is carved with peony flowers. The backs of the mirror panels are carved so that when it is closed they display large peony flowers on one panel and a fu-dog on the other. Carved all over with a faceted texture and finished with red and black negoro lacquer.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dime...

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original Urushi lacquer finish and hand forged iron hardware with Hirute handles. Four spacious drawers and a safe door that hides three small drawers for valuables. One small drawer has a secret false floor to hide precious smalls. Each side has 2 sets of carrying handles with one set used for long distance moves and a pair of hand held handles for placement in a room.

...

Antique Japanese tall merchant's box. Made all of kiri (paulownia) wood with iron hardware. The box has a total of 9 small drawers: upper drawers most likely held writing implements, tools or documents while the ink stains on the inside of the lower drawers reveal they once held ink, seals and ink stone. Each drawer has an iron hirute shaped pull and a round lock for keeping important items like the merchant's signature seals safe.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 1...

An antique Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware. Three drawers with a pair of hinged doors that open to a spacious interior with two side by side drawers. This area was used to store the merchant records and books while all the drawers were used to secure valuables and provide easy access to merchant tools and accessories.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 29 3/4" Wide by 29 3/4" High by 14 3/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Cha Tansu made of Momiji (Maple) and Katsura woods. 4 sliding doors along the top hid a storage area where tea service acessories were kept. 2 sliding etched glass doors covered a display area where Japanese seasonal and holiday objects were showcased while the etching hid a small drawer and a storage space that the previous owner wanted to have left hidden. 2 more sliding doors, a hinged door and 2 side by side drawers round out this tansu.

Age: Late Meiji/Taisho (1...

An antique Japanese small Choba Tansu chest made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original bronze hardware. Sliding doors where merchant stored business records and books 4 drawers below where valuables money and writing supplies were kept. Straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nail construction. Merchant store name written at the base that ha worn over time.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 22 3/4" Wide by 22 1/2" High by 12" Deep

A charming Japanese kiri (paulownia) wood bedside tansu. The metal hardware pairs nicely with the very light wood, creating attractive simplicity. Taisho age (1912-1925) Size: 19" height, 23.75" width, 11.75" depth

An antique Japanese 3 section Isho Tansu made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Upper section has two sliding doors behind which is a 1/2 split level shelf with 3 side by side drawers below. Center and bottom sections each have 2 large drawers for abundant clothes storage. All original bronze and iron hardware with an acquired original patina.

Age: Late Meiji/Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 35 3/4" Wide by 55 3/4" High by 15 3/8" Deep

Antique Japanese suzuribako (calligraphy writing box) for a merchant. Made of keyaki (elm) wood burl with iron hardware. Two drawers: one for writing implements and one drawer with a lock for keeping money, seals, and important documents safe. A top compartment with a hinged lid would have kept an ink stone.

Age: Meiji Period 1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8 3/4" high x 8 1/2" wide x 12 7/8" deep

Antique Japanese kannon biraki tansu. Single section with hinged doors which open to reveal 4 interior drawers; two large and two small. Made all of kiri (paulownia) wood with iron hardware. The large, round lock plate and cross bracing are classical aspects of this type of chest. Used for storing clothing and outfitted with handles for carrying.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 20 1/2" high x 37" wide x 16 1/4" deep

Antique Japanese Butsudan, Buddhist shrine for a home. This butsudan is in two sections. The top section has four folding doors that open to a shrine interior: An multilevel altar with carved details, gold leafed silk and columns. There is a small storage compartment closed by carved sliding panels. The bottom section has two storage drawers. The doors of the butsudan are carved with a round pierced filigree design of chrysanthemums.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dimens...

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Sugi (Cryptomeria) wood. Original hand forged iron hardware and Urushi lacquer finish including the full moon lock plates and the Warabite style handles. 3 full width drawers with a 3/4 width drawer and small drawer at the bottom. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)Dimensions: 22 1/8" Wide by 22 1/2" High by 12" Deep

An antique Japanese Katana Sword box made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware. Front hinged door secures a long drawer that held a Katana for safe keeping. Of particular interest is the door stop on the lock plate featuring a stylized Fundo weight. This would suggest that the previous owner was in the profession responsible for coin exchange, weights and measures. The box was made using hardened wood nails.

Dimensions: 5 1/4" Wide by 5 1/4" High by 41" Lon...

An antique Japanese Kunimatsu cash register made of hinoki wood with hand painted details in red and gold, tin knobs and scrolling trim. The center has an embossed manufacturer's trademark. The exterior has a white marble ledge. Under the ledge are the numbers in red ink, 50, 10, 5 & 1's. It is a working cash register with a bell when the drawer springs open. There is a key that opens the backside to change the paper roll.

Date: Tiasho period (1912-1925)

Dimensions: 18"...

An antique Japanese Sakata Chobako (merchant box) made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware and natural acquired patina. Two full length drawers used to store calligraphy brushes, paper and documents for easy access when conducting merchant transactions.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 7 3/4" Wide by 9" High by 18 1/4" Deep

Antique Japanese hibachi or brazier made of beautiful original keyaki hardwood. Bold natural grain with warm finish. The front features five small drawers convenient for storage. Glass has been added to the top of the allowing it to be used as a small table. (Glass removed for photos). Original seen in the patina copper within. Mid Meiji Period (1868 -1912) Size: 24"H x 28"L 16"D

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.

An antique Japanese Zeni Bako (money safe) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Top cover is secured with an iron lock and serves a dual purpose. When closed, a slot is apparent for dropping coins into the box. When opened, the retrieval of the coins becomes convenient as well as keeping safe and storing paper money, IOUs, and financial bonds and certificates. A bottom drawer was often used to store writing paper, writing brushes and an inkstone. All hand forged iron ha...

An antique Japanese Chobako (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware. Large upper drawer with two hinged doors that hides and secures 6 small drawers where valuables were kept. Side handles were used for carrying this tansu from place to place.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 15" Wide by 20 1/2" High by 12 1/4" Deep

Antique Japanese small ko tansu (chest for personal use). Made all of kiri wood. 7 drawers of various size, each with a bronze hirute shaped drawer pull. Two of the drawers have round lock plates. Nice overall patina.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 18 3/4" high x 28" wide x 12 1/4" deep

An antique Japanese Ko Bo Tansu (personal storage chest with locking bar) made of Suginoki (Cryptomeria) wood. Original Urushi lacquer finish. Bronze hardware features auspicious bamboo symbols and pine tree motif.

Small antique tansu such as this is very popular worldwide due to its functionality and ease of placement due to its small size. Contemporary uses include using it as a side table or a bedside cabinet.

Meiji Era (1868-1912)

21 3/4" Wide by 22 1/2" High by 1...

An antique Japanese Chobako (merchant storage box) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware. Eight drawers of varying sizes for the storage of paper, writing brushes, inkstone, money, receipts and other merchant paraphernalia. Constructed using straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. It features a secret hidden box where valuables were kept hidden away from thieves.

Age: Meiji Era (1868-1880)
Dimensions: 9 1/2" Wide ...

Antique Japanese suzuri bako (writing box). Made of beautiful keyaki (zelkova elm) burl and persimmon wood. Unusually fine joinery on the corners. With three small drawers. The top is a persimmon wood panel that lifts off to reveal a compartment intended for an ink stone. The inside of the compartment has traces of red pigment as well as calligraphy and an array of brush stokes. One can imagine the calligrapher hurriedly wiping his brush or making a practice stoke.

Age: Meiji Per...

An antique Japanese scholar's desk made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Hirute handles. Full moon design to each leg. Constructed using through mortise and tenon Japanese joinery.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 31 1/2" Wide by 14 1/2" High by 14 1/4" Deep

Antique Japanese Funa Bako or ship safe chest with an original black lacquer finish. Ornate iron hardware decorates the front of the box with a side locking mechanism. Behind the front door are six drawers with ring pulls. Two of the drawers are precious and small, one labelled in kanji. Outside is made of Hinoki wood (Cypress) while the inside drawers are made of Kiri wood (Paulownia). Dates from the Edo age 19th century. Size: 15" height, 17" depth, 13" width

An antique Japanese single section low Tansu chest made of Hinoki :(Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hirute style handles. Two sliding doors open to a large storage area.

Dimensions: 35" Wide by 22 1/2" High by 15 1/2" Deep

An antique Japanese Gyosho Bako (peddler's box) made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. Original Urushi lacquer finish and bronze hand made hardware. Carrying handles through which a pole would be inserted with outer Japanese writing advertising the peddler. Straight Japanese dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nail construction. Four drawers of increasing heights from top to bottom.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 6" Wide by 13" High by 11" 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

Japanese Edo to Meiji period Kanto style personal wood clothing chest (isho-dansu) with a single drawer on top and hinged burlwood doors opening to three additional drawers below. The top drawer has a rectangular black iron lockplate. The burlwood doors (referred to as "kannon-biraki do") are supported by five iron hinges on each side and a horizontal iron strap with a central round lockplate to secure and lock the doors. Edo to Meiji period (19th century). 29 7/8" wide x 26 3/4" high x 14" ...

An antique Japanese Kadai (Bonsai or Ikebana display table) made of Rosewood. Cabriolet legs in a low profile design. Floating display surface prevents age cracks from occurring.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1900-1920)Dimensions: 18" Wide by 5 1/8" High by 12 1/8" Deep

Japanese gyosho bako or "peddler's box"/ship box, made of kiri and sugi wood, with iron hardware, handle on top, front door with a pin locking mechanism, which opens to reveal four rectangular drawers and two locking compartments, each with iron handle. Edo period (1603-1867) Size: 15.5" height, 13" width, 17.25" depth

An antique Japanese Kotansu chest for personal storage use made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia). All bronze hardware with 6 drawers and a pair of sliding doors hiding a storage area with a split level shelf. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery with hardened wooden nails. Perfect as a side chest or desktop organizer.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho Period (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" Wide by 19 3/8" High by 11 3/4" Deep