An antique Japanese Biraki Kotansu (small chest with two hinged doors) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. The doors open to a set of 7 drawers of varying sizes. It would make the perfect side chest or bedside nightstand.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 20 3/4" Wide by 18 1/2" 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 Hikute style handles. Two front sliding doors open to 10 drawers of varying sizes including a large open compartment where business books and documents were stored.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 30 1/2" Wide by 23 3/4" High by 19 3/4" Deep.

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...

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...

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 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

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)...

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

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 Tibetan storage trunk with center dragon motif surrounded by an intricate textile pattern. Stylized Vajra metal clasp on cover with two iron ring hinges securing the top to the body.

Age: 17th-18th C.

Dimensions: 34 1/4" Wide by 20" High by 15 1/4" 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 Tibetan storage trunk with hard mounts and a hand painted dragon that appears to be dancing holding sacred jewels in each claw. A magnified textile pattern surrounds the dragon design. Hinged cover opens to a spacious storage area. Natural wear and marks on the cover over its long history of use.

Age: 17th to 18th Century

Dimensions: 34 1/2" Wide by 19 3/8" High by 13 1/4" Deep

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

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...

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

The rectangular carved wood with dragons and border with carved bamboo, legs with reticulated dragons and symbols, tabletop border with Shou symbols on each corner with dragons, side panels with carved dragon in high relief with an alternate border of bats and floral motif. The table folds up and the photos show it folded. Age: Late 19th - Early 20th Century Condition: some writing on the tabletop, and rest of table is in good condition...

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...

An antique Korean Bandaji chest with book matched Ash and Red Pine woods. Nickel hard mounts with bat Thandles symbolizing good fortune and luck. Two small side drawers with key. Straight dovetail construction with a beautiful original patina.

Late 19th -Early 20th Century

Dimensions: 38 1/2" Wide by 34" High by 17 5/8" 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...

An antique Korean money chest or trunk made entirely of heavy Red Pine wood. All hand forged iron hardmounts and fittings. Strong box design to withstand the heavy weight caused by the storage of coins.

Age: 19th Century (Yi Dynasty)

Dimensions: 42" Wide by 16 1/4" High by 20" Deep

An antique Chinese altar table made of Huanghuali wood with a work surface incorporating a cloisonné insert. Cabriole legs with claw feet each holding a ball leading up to the mitered corners profiling the Fu Dogs. Central carved image on the front and back shows the Fu Dogs. Scrolling vines throughout the apron with an archaic Ching dynasty key fret below which are lotus petals surrounding the table...

An antique 2 section Korean Nong made of Elm, Genko and Pine woods. Nickel hard mounts with foliated central lock plate medallions. Ryu shaped hinges. With bat mounts representing happiness and articulated Chau ornaments symbolizing longevity. The front elm wood is book matched for visual symmetry and balance. Original paper lined interior.

Age: 19th Century

Dimensions: 33 1/4" Wide by 52 7/8" High by 14" Deep

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 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...

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.

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.

An antique Todana Tansu (storage chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood...

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 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. Bronze decorative mounts feature lucky Japanese symbols including the treasure mallet, the treasure bag, a traveling cape and a traveler's hat. A rare feature is how this chest can be configured side by side due to a bespoke second stand that allows for the s...

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.

The lower section features four side by side drawers above with six drawers below, a hinged door hiding a storage ...

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 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. Wooden support braces are present at the bottom.

Age: Meiji Era (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 15" Wide...

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 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. The handle atop this important daily ...

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 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.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 35 1/4" Wide by 35" High by 7 3/4"...

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. Behind the doors lies 4 drawers of varying...

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.

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.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions:...

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. Side support slats provide strength to the Tansu as well as architectural design.

Age: Meiji Era (1...

Late 19th century zitan chair featuring a serpentine top rail above an open back with a square tablet incised with two archaic vases on a stand within scrolls over a cleated seat on square legs and stretchers. Wear consistent with age and use. Very good condition. Measures 21.5ʺW × 16.5ʺD × 40.5ʺH

Pair of antique Chinese Horseshoe Chairs made of Elm and original rattan woven seats with original support structure to the underside. They each have 3 back splat panels which are indicative of the 18th Century Kangxi Period. With a slight difference in size, the male chair has a back panel wood carving of a ring connecting two arabesque vine patterns suggesting double happiness in marriage (called a Chou pattern). The female chair has a wood carving of a stylized Lotus design. Both chairs fea...

Chinese ivory toggle finely carved in the shape of a fingered lemon or "Buddha's hand" with foliage and mushroom. H 7cm (2 3/4in). Late 18th century.

An antique Chinese scholar's stand made of natural gnarled twisted hardwood roots with a transparent russet lacquer. This type of natural root furniture goes back to the 12th century aesthetic. Here is an example of the round stand produced during the Republic Period, bearing the colonial form true to the Victorian Era.

Age: Early Republic Period

Dimensions: 17" Wide by 17 3/4" High by 13 1/2" Deep

An antique Chinese small country cabinet made of Pine wood with a clear lacquer finish. From the Ningbo province, it features two doors that open to a spacious storage area with a removable center shelf.

Age: 19th Century

Dimensions: 27 5/8" Wide by 34 5/8" High by 14 1/2" Deep

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. Overall in wonderful original condition.


Late 19th to Early 20th Century

...

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).

An antique Chinese Coffer Table made entirely of Elm wood. Originating from the Zhejiang Province it epitomizes fine country furniture. It was designed with Peony drawer panels and patinated drawer pulls with a simple locking mechanism for one drawer. Below the drawers are 3 separate reticulated panels featuring a cloud motif and a pair of spandrels showcasing a scrolling leaf pattern that matches the continuity of the theme.

The finish is an original clear lacquer and the natural wear...

Dramatic Chinese Kangxi Period blue and white vase with a cylindrical body narrowing to a straight neck and a flanged lip, ribbon designs on the neck, galloping Manchu Warriors carrying battle banners, base with a circle mark, all decoration in underglaze blue with three subtle hues.

Provenance McIntyre Collection
Dates Kangxi 18th c.
Size H 18 3/4" x W 8"

Chinese Familia Verte Deity "Yuhuang Shangdi", The governor of the universe, dates from the 18th century. Excellent condition.

Provenance Zelig Collection
Dates 18th century-Kangxi Period

Size H 9.75" x W 4.25" x D 2.625"

Chinese antique ox bow arm chair, made of jumu (elm) wood with bent wood legs. The back splat is carved with a round good fortune symbol.

19th century

Dimensions: 36 1/2" high x 23 1/4" wide x 22" deep (seat: 13 1/2" deep)

DESCRIPTION: An exotic and intricately painted polychrome lidded wood chest of Italian Arabesque design. The body is decorated with carved architectural form arches and columns on three sides with intricately painted geometric and floral designs on a red ground. The back is also painted and has a large center pomegranate medallion with floral designs. Rising on turned feet, a scalloped apron forms the base; the hinged lid conceals open storage. Some paint loss and separation to wood. DIMENSION...

Antique Chinese guan pi xiang (document box), made of huanghuali. Top opens to a tray-shaped storage area. The doors are made with dramatic huanghauli wood burl panels and open to reveal 5 drawers (4 small drawers and 1 larger one).

Republic Period

Dimensions: 18 1/2" high x 19 3/4" wide x 15 1/2" deep.

Chinese pair of huanghuali wood official's hat chairs. Simply and smoothly carved with a cusped edge on the front legs. Rattan seats. Provenance: from the collection of the Santa Barbara Museum, California. (Note regarding the Museum label: little was known about Chinese hardwoods at the time this label was made. Thus the wood is mislabeled "cherry wood").

17th Century

Dimensions: 39 1/4" high x 19 1/4" wide x 17" deep. Seat: 19 1/4" high x 18 1/2" wide x 15 1/2" deep...

A lidded brass box, made around 1900, Chinese. Small brass medallions with auspicious flowers and birds have been soldered on to the box, and to the front are two enamel and copper medallions with cranes. One medallion is of the shou symbol surrounded by bats. The wooden lining suggests that the box was used for cigars. The back with stamped mark CHINA. Nice format, width "5 ¼ / 13.3 cm, height "2 / 5 cm. Condition: fine.

Chinese large pair of restored cabinets, each in two stacking sections. These cabinets are made of jumu (elm) wood with dramatic grain. The bottom section of each chest has a large compartment with two shelves. The upper shelf of each compartment is outfitted with two small interior drawers. Each of the top sections has an interior shelf as well. Large round brass hardware. 19th century cabinets modified to fit with modern needs.

Dimensions of each: 96" high x 43 1/2" wide x 2...

Antique Chinese pair of beautiful rosewood cabinets that have been skillfully carved with the image of two mirrored dragons surrounded by smoke motifs on the front doors, lucky bats holding strands of coins with auspicious characters on the sides, and also the Shou symbol between two bats along the bottom panel which doubles as a large drawer. The inside has upper and lower shelving and two large drawers side by side. Date from the early to mid 20th century. Size: 43.5" height, 36.75" width, ...

A large Chinese Elm Wood Altar Table/Console with nice detailed carvings, 19th Century. Good condition, size: L. 243 cm. x H. 104.5 cm x D. 34 cm. (95.5" x 41" x 13.5").

Attractive 2-piece Chinese wooden display cabinet with glass doors and fine inlay work (see photograph # 3 for details). 19th Century, good condition. Size: H. 169 cm. x W. 102 cm. x D. 46 cm. ( 66.5" x 40" x 18").

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.