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

Antique Japanese kuruma tansu (wheeled storage chest) from the Northern Sendai area closer to Iwayado. The front of the chest is made with keyaki (zelkova elm) wood with lovely grain and original red-orange translucent lacquer finish. The frame is made of sugi (cryptomeria). The large, raised iron lock plate on the top drawer depicts a pair of cranes flying in clouds. The middle two drawers are held in place with a locking bar (bo) with pine tree shaped ironwork...

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)...

Japanese late Meiji to Taisho period Tokyo style rectangular naga hibachi with beautiful zelkova (keyaki) wood grain. Five storage drawers on the front have copper warabite handles. A removable rectangular wood insert is placed over the fire container which contains an original copper liner with nice patina. Two inset carrying handles are at the sides. Early 20th century. Measures 13" high (15 1/4" high to the top of the wood insert) x 26 3/4" long x 14 1/4" deep...

Rare antique Japanese tansu chest from Takayama city in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood with orangish lacquer finish. Iron hardware includes scalloped drawer corners and round lock plates on the three small drawers which line the upper portion of the chest. Below this are four larger drawers with hirute drawer pulls...

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

An antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest) made of kiri (paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including stylized gumbai handles. Two sliding kiri wood panels framed in black lacquer over two large drawers for safe keeping of inventory. Iron drawer corners feature raised seed pods suggesting this chest originated in the Yonezawa region of Japan.

Age: Meiji Era (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 30 1/2" high x 30 " wide x 15 1/8" deep

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 Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Aka Matsu (Red Pine) woods. Beautiful original hand forged iron hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. Two full width drawers and sliding doors with horizontal slats that hide three small drawers on the right and a business books and records storage area on the left. Upper drawer features a lucky treasure bag lock plate with a stylized Mt Fuji lock plate below...

An antique Japanese tall 2 section Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware with bronze door pulls. Upper section has two sliding doors covering a spacious storage area with a split level shelf with two side by side drawers below. Bottom section has seven outer drawers of varying sizes with 2 pairs of sliding doors. The bottom doors covers 4 interior small drawers and a faux structural wall that hides three secret drawers...

An antique Japanese Isho Tansu (Kimono chest) in 2 sections made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original iron hardware with a natural patina acquired over many years. Upper section has 3 drawers and lower section has 2 drawers with a removable base at the bottom. Very thick wood used throughout this chest. Side handles to each section for ease of transport.

Age: Taisho Era (1912-1920)

Dimensions: 36 3/4" Wide by 47" High by 16 3/4" Deep

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

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. It is comprised of 8 drawers of varying sizes and a pair of sliding doors that hides a spacious area where store records and account books were stored. Side handles were used to carry this Tansu from place to place. It would make a great side chest for any room decor.

Age: Taisho Era (1912-1920)

Dimensions: 29 3/4" Wide by 29 1/4" High by 14" Deep

A rare antique Japanese Choba Biraki Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. All original Urushi lacquer finish and hand forged elaborate iron hardware featuring Warabite handles, bamboo leaves framing the hinged doors and a center bamboo stalk security plate. The doors secure 5 drawers where the merchant kept valuables atop the upper side by side drawers and wares in the three drawers below...

A rare antique Japanese Sakata Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style handles and the Sakata lock plates. Two side by side drawers with a pair of sliding doors below that hides 3 drawers to the right and a merchant books and records storage space to the left. Secret hiding space behind the lower right drawer accessible by way of the left drawer cavity...

An antique Japanese Katana Tansu (sword storage chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. Side handles for ease of carrying. Large drawer used to store the Katana while the medium drawer stored the Wakizashi. The small drawer stored the sharpening and cleaning supplies for the weapons.

Age: Meiji Era (1868-1880)

Dimensions: 44" Wide by 12" High by 12 1/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Ko Choba Tansu (small merchant chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia). All original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style handles and the Chidori designed drawer front corners...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute style handles and wiped Urushi lacquer finish. Horizontal slats on all four sides provide strength and visual Japanese architectural design. Two sets of sliding doors with two side by side drawers. A pair of small drawers behind the lower doors with a false floor behind the lower drawer that hides a secret storage space where valu...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Originates from northern Honshu in the Tohoku region. All original hand forged iron hardware including the double pine tree catch on the lock plates and the plum blossom handle stoppers (called Atari). Storage consists of three large and three small drawers with a pair of sliding doors hiding a spacious area where merchant books and store records were kept.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-18...

An antique Japanese Tohoku Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the rounded Kakute style handles with Sho Chiku Bai back plates. The full moon lock plates have an incised open fan design. In 2 sections, the upper portion has two full width drawers and the bottom section has a full width drawer, a partial width drawer and a security hinged door hiding 2 small drawers. Secret hiding space behind the smal...

An antique Japanese Tansu called Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles. Unique double upper drawer merchant chest style in a smaller footprint. A combination of 6 drawers of varying sizes and a pair of sliding doors that hide a convenient storage area. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. It would make an elegant side chest or night stand.

Age: Meiji Period ...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. Removable hinged door opens to two large compartments where merchant books and store records were kept. Below are two drawers for additional storage. Side handles allow for easy placement of the chest in a room.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 25 3/4" Wide by 41 1/8" High by 17 1/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Kuruma Choba Tansu (wheeled merchant chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the full moon style lock plate and interior Warabite handles. Hinged doors open to a 12 sectional compartment area where valuables were organized and stored. Below are two drawers where additional storage was used. At the base lies two metal retractable pulls used to roll the tansu forward and backwards with wheels corresponding the the same ...

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 Nihon Matsu Kasane Tansu (stacking Kimono chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles and the double Plum Blossom handle stoppers called Atari. Upper section features 2 full width drawers and the bottom section has 1 full drawer, 1 partial width drawer, a hinged security door and two small drawers where valuables were kept. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. Typically very l...

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

An antique tall Kasane Tansu (stacking Kimono chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron and bronze hardware. Upper section features a pair of sliding doors, a lift-out door and 6 drawers of varying sizes while the bottom section has 5 large drawers, a small drawer and a hinged security door that hides two small drawers where valuables were kept hidden away. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meij...

An antique Japanese Tansu chest called Todana made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute style handles with an Urushi lacquer finish. Two sliding doors open to a storage area with a removable shelf where books were stored. Five drawers below provide additional storage and function.

Age: Meiji Era (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 26 1/4" Wide by 22" High by 11" Deep

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles with custom added matching iron base. Features flush side handles and 5 drawers of varying sizes for organization and storage.

Age: Meiji Period (1900-1910)

Dimensions: 24" Wide by 29" High by 14 1/2" Deep

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. Used on a Tatami floor for writing and calligraphy.

Age: Meiji Period (1890-1900)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" Wide by 11 ...

An antique Japanese tall Kasane Tansu (kimono storage chest) made of burled Keyaki (Zelkova), Kura (Mulberry), Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles and the full moon lock plates. Upper section has a pair of sliding doors, a lift-out door and 6 drawers of varying sizes where Kimono fashion accoutrements were kept. The bottom section has 5 large drawers where the Kimonos were stored. Constructed using straigh...

An antique Japanese Kasa No Dai (umbrella stand) made entirely of one solid block of burled Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. Entirely hand hewned and exquisitely carved into a wonderful sculpture of Japanese folkart (Mingei). Natural patina darkened over many years of careful use and display.

Age: Late Meiji Period (1900-1910)

Dimensions: 12" Wide by 21 3/8" High by 12" Deep

An antique Japanese 2 section Gifu Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute handles and the full moon lock plates. Upper section has 2 sliding doors with spacious storage behind and two side by side drawers below. The bottom section has 5 drawers of varying sizes, a large storage space covered by 2 sliding doors, a hinged security door that hides 2 small drawers where valuables were ke...

Extra large Japanese Edo to Meiji period single section kaidan (step) tansu with six steps, three storage compartments of various sizes with sliding doors, and three fitted drawers. Original iron handcrafted hardware and dovetail construction. 19th century. 71 1/2” high x 68 1/2” wide x 35 1/2” deep. Very solid overall condition. There are typical signs of natural wear from use. The wood has some shrinkage and cracks from the Arizona dry climate. Provenance: purchased in 2004 from t...

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles and Sakata lock plates. 5 drawers provide generous storage and organization. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 22 1/2" Wide by 23" High by 11 3/8" 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 Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the stylized Gumbai handles and full moon lock plates. 6 drawers of varying sizes allow for generous storage. Sliding doors open to a split level compartment where merchant business books and records were kept. Hinged security door to the lower right hides two additional small drawers where store valuables were kept. Construction included Japanese straight dovetai...

An antique Japanese Sakata Funa Tansu (ship captain's safe) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. Large security door lifts out to reveal two large drawers where ship valuables were stored and kept safe from pirates and thieves. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Mokko style handles and the Pine and Bamboo incised lock plate.

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

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 ...

A Very rare example of an antique Japanese Kuruma Tansu (wheeled chest) made of Keyaki burl (Zelkova), Kuri burl (Chestnut) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original iron hardware and translucent Urushi lacquer finish. Sliding doors hides a large storage space with a small drawer tucked away. Below are three side by side drawers for additional storage. Side slats provided strength and durability to the chest during moves while providing a Japanese visual design element. Constructed using th...

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 Kyoto Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) in 2 sections made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware with bronze sliding door handles and Warabite style drawer handles. 3 sets of sliding doors each set progressively larger with removable shelf behind each set. Side slats provide strength, stability and visual architectural design.

The Mizuya Tansu was often used in the kitchen of a Japanese home where jars of water was store...

A rare and fine example of a Japanese Nihon Matsu Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova), Honoki (Magnolia) and old growth Kiri (Paulownia) woods. Early merchant chest configuration featuring a pair of sliding doors above, a large storage drawer in the center and a pair of sliding doors below hiding small drawers, a secret box and a storage space for merchant books and records. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style handles, the raised seed pod design c...

An antique Japanese Kansai Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Ninoki (Cypress woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hirute handles. In 2 sections, the upper portion has three sets of sliding doors with storage space behind each and 3 small drawers to the right with 5 side by side drawers along the lower part. The bottom section has 2 sliding doors with spacious storage behind and a set of 4 drawers vertically aligned and 4 drawers along the bottom ...

An antique Japanese 2 section Todana Tansu (shelf and drawer chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. All original bronze hardware with hand made glass and age old acquired patina. Side slats provide stability and strength. Top section has 2 sets of sliding doors with a removable shelf behind the lower pair. The bottom section has 1 set of sliding doors with 5 drawers of varying sizes.

Age: Late Meiji Period (1900-1910)

Dimensions: 29 3/8" Wide by 47 1/4" High ...

An antique Japanese Katana Tansu (sword chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. Beautiful naturally acquired patina over its long history. Long drawer for Katana storage, short drawer for Tanto storage and a small drawer for Katana parts and polishing supplies.

Age: Early Meiji Period (1870-1880)

Dimensions: 45 3/4" Wide by 12" High by 12" Deep

An unusual antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware with Warabite handles and unusual double hinged door design. Interior holds 9 drawers of varying sizes and 2 shelves. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. Each side has swivel handles for long distance transport and pairs of carrying handles for placement in a room.

Age: Late Edo Period (1800-1850)

A unusual example of an antique Japanese three section Tansu chest called Ishodansu made of Toneriko (Japanese Ash) and Katsura woods. Original bronze hardware including the Warabite handles and the kissing duck handle backplates. This one-of-a-kind Tansu highlights Yosegi (Marquetry) incorporated into the beautiful Japanese Ash burl. Upper section has two horizontal rolling siding doors hiding a split level display shelf with three side by side drawers below. Center section has two hinged do...

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

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...

An antique Japanese Nihonmatsu Kasane Tansu (stacking 2 section chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware featuring Warabite style handles and hints of aged red lacquer. Very spacious storage with a hinged door that secures 3 small drawers. Constructed using Japanese joinery techniques and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 48 1/2" Wide by 48" High by 18 1/4" Deep

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

An antique Japanese Choba Kuruma Tansu (wheeled merchant chest) made fo Keyaki (Zelkova), Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. Drawers were made using Kakute handles. Lock bar added additional security for the 2 full width center drawers. Sliding doors open to a spacious storage area and the hinged door secure 2 small drawers behind. Side slats add strength and support. Iron rings on each side in conjunction with ro...

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles and the full moon lock plates. Handle back plates feature a stylized Shimizu clan family crest. 4 drawers for spacious kimono storage and a hinged door behind which are 2 small drawers where valuable fashion accessories were stored. Constructed using Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meiji Era (1880-...

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 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. This suggests that the contents of the box was quite heavy (like gold coins) so that it was not moved often allowing the Tatami ma...

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. 2 sliding doors with vertical slats opens to a shelf with 3 small drawers. 3 drawers below the doors for additional storage. All original hand forged iron hardware. Urushi lacquer frame and front outline with natural wood drawers and door panels. Originally used as a storage chest for books and small items. It would make a beautiful side chest in any room decor.

Age: Meiji Era...

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 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. Bea...