Antique Japanese Funa Tansu (ship safe chest) made all of quarter sawn cut Keyaki (elm) wood with revealing natural woodgrain and finish. Cut out appliqué hardware with incised floral motifs adorns the body of the tansu. There are six drawers altogether.

Late Edo period (1603-1868)

Size: 21" L x 16.5" W x 18" H

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant chest) made all of kiri (paulownia) wood. Classic design of six drawers with round iron locks on all drawers and warabite handles, corner lock box, and middle sliding doors with locking pin and handles embossed with fu dogs. Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 30.5" L x 15.75" W x 31" H

Antique Japanese small tansu chest made for personal use, made all of kiri (Japanese cypress) wood with nice patina and especially nice joinery. This tansu has beautiful copper hardware all over the front including corner bracing, lock plates and moko shaped drawer pulls. One large drawer runs the full width of the top portion of the chest. Below this is a vertical row of three small drawers on the right side and a compartment opened by sliding panels on the left...

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

Beautiful Original Antique Japanese sword tansu, made from Kuri (chestnut) Hardwood. Gorgeous original natural lacquer finish. The two longest drawers have Kiri leaf Mon (emblem) iron locks, with a smaller storage drawer beside them.

Mid Meiji period (1868-1912).

Size: 44" L x 16.5" D x 14" H

Antique Japanese single section Kiri (paulownia) wood tansu, all natural original finish. Very simplistic and functional design. All drawers have iron locks and Hirute style iron handles. Two small drawers in the bottom corner are perfect for storing small valuables.

Size: 32" L x 17" W x 32" H

New Shipment

Unusual Japanese two-section tansu, with gorgeous Keyaki (elm) burl front, and Sugi (cedar) sides, with original lacquer finish. The design is highly unusual with three sets of sliding doors, one with glass panels, various size drawers and a lift-away panel with a charming natural burl handle. Meiji age (1868-1912)

Size: 40.5" L x 19.5" W x 61.5" H

New Shipment

Antique Japanese Kiri wood (Paulownia) tansu. Original natural kiri wood finish. Medium weight black iron hardware with warabite handles and round locks on each drawer. Wonderful condition.
Meiji age (1868-1912)

Size: 25" L x 13" W x 22.5" H

Antique Japanese Gyosho Bako (merchant's chest) made with Kiri (paulownia) wood in all original finish. Each side has original iron rings for straps to feed through to Create a Backpack.
Originally used as an backpack to carry from one town to the next. Merchant selling his objects or services that he contained within this piece. The front has two hinged locking doors with several drawers hidden within. Beautiful original finish and condition...

Pvt. Zentner Family Collection

Rare Japanese antique choba tansu made of keyaki (elm) wood. The top portion has a compartment with sliding panels and horizontal slats. The bottom portion of the chest has two safe boxes with heavy iron hardware, one opening to the left and one opening to the right. Inside each safe box is a series of four small kiri (paulownia) wood drawers. Between the safes are two keyaki drawers with heavy iron lock plates...

New Arrival

Antique Japanese two section mizuya (kitchen tansu), made with Hinoki (cypress) frame and Sugi (cryptomeria) sides with slats. The front features Persimmon wood panels with dramatic natural grain on its drawers. Other charming detailing includes mesh sliding doors with wood panels carved in floral motifs and decorative handles. Very attractive in design and functional for storage. Dates from the Meiji period c1900. Size:37" L x 16.25" W x 64.75" H

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest) made with Hinoki (cypress) wood. Tastefully designed with hirute style handles, and slats on its sides and front sliding panels, opening to reveal an open storage area and two drawers. Original honey tone finish. Meiji period (1868-1912) Size: 36" H x 36" L x 17.75" D

Gorgeous Japanese two section Yonezawa region tansu, beautiful dramatic woodgrain highlighted by the original lacquer finish. Dramatic Keyaki Hardwood. Stunning cherry blossom crest lock plates and mock (melon style) handles. The top right section has a smaller drawer and locking door with two small drawers hidden away inside. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size: 39" H x 44.25" L x 17.75" D

Beautiful Japanese antique 2-section Keyaki isho tansu (chest on chest for clothing). Wonderfully dramatic kayaki (zelkova) grain on front. Enhanced by the Original finish in translucent lacquer. Black iron hardware including warabite shaped drawer pulls, safe box in lower right hand corner with 2 small interior drawers. Round iron lock plates with mixed metal raised motif of implements of the Lucky Gods. Original condition and finish. Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) ...

Antique Japanese Kiri (paulownia) wood tansu with a rare and unusual design of two large front hinged doors with flower incised iron bracing. Opening up to a multi shelved interior reminiscent of a cha tansu (tea chest). Two locking drawers sit beneath it. Beautiful original finish. Edo Period (Circa 1800's) Very charming size. Size: 22.75" H x 25" L x 12.5" D

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...

Antique Japanese Keyaki (elm) choba tansu (merchant chest) with original golden brown finish. Used to store important documents for ones business. Made from all Keyaki hardwood with dramatic, gorgeous graining seen throughout. Two large sliding front panels of beautiful swirling natural burl patterns. Five locking drawers beneath for additional drawer storage. Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). Size: 28.5" H x 28.5" L x 15.5" D

Antique Japanese unusual kiri wood (paulownia) tansu with original honey finish, two front doors with decorative iron hardware incised with heart designs. The interior houses ten drawers of varying size opened by hirute style handles complimenting the gorgeous natural woodgrain. Custom iron stand included. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). Original finish and condition. Very useful storage. Size: 22.5" H (29" H on stand) 26.5" L x 16.75" D

Antique Japanese small lock bar tansu with beautiful Keyaki wood front in original red lacquer finish, adorned with decorative iron plating. Bottom drawer has incised lock plate with the image of a crane and pine trees with a safe box beside it. Meiji period (1868-1912) Size: 24.5" H, 24.5" W, 12" D

Antique Japanese large single section futon tansu, Two large sliding doors made with keyaki (elm) wood with dramatic grain open to one large storage compartment. Sugi (cryptomeria) wood framing with slats on the side for bracing. Black Iron hardware. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). Great for component / Media cabinet or Buffet Cabinet. Size: 34" high x 67 3/4" wide x 26 3/4" deep.

Antique Japanese kiri (paulownia) wood tansu of a rare and unusual size, with beautiful rosey iron corner bracing, locks, and handles of an elegant and elongated shape. Gorgeous natural finish hardwood. Early Meiji period (1868-1912) Size: 49" L x 18" D x 26" H

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant chest) made with dramatic Keyaki (elm) wood in original lacquer finish. Features sliding doors with vertical slats with a long, single drawer above and two drawers below with lock bar, corner safebox, two plain drawers at the very bottom. Wonderful original condition. Very high quality choba tansu. Original key is included. Edo period (1615-1868) circa 1850s. Size: 39" H x 29.5" W x 17" D

Beautiful Antique Japanese koruri dans also known as an apothecary tansu. Made from kiri and sugi wood, with one hundred and two small drawers! Each inscribed with the name of a herb/medicine that was to be stored in slotted compartments. There are two thin drawers at its center bottom with flower shaped handle backs and two larger drawers at either side. Each drawer has a round black iron handles.

Early Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 33" height, 33" length, 7.25" depth

Antique Japanese two-section tansu in gorgeous original Keyaki (hardwood) with original lacquer finish, with red lacquer top and sides. Iron hardware of a rosy tone adorns each corner and drawer front, such as kakute (squared) shape handles and fleur de lis style locks. Side safe box holds two small drawers within for small treasures. The tansu sits on a custom stand. Key is included. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size: 37" H x 33.5" W x 17" D

Antique Japanese chose tansu also known as a merchant chest. Made with solid kiri (paulownia) wood. Every drawer has decorative locks and iron hirute shaped handles. Two sliding opens open to reveal a roomy storage compartment. Bottom safe box has three small doors within. Meiji period (1868-1912) Size: 31" H x 31" W x 16" D

Antique Japanese zenibako also know as a money safe box. Original deep lacquer finish, hinged lid with Iron handle and money slot beside it. Money was dropped inside and is retrieved by opening the drawer directly below it. Two other drawers free of locks may be used for storage as well. Solid Keyaki (hardwood) with stunning wood grain. Eco Period (circa 1820's) Size: 8.5" H x 12.5" L x 8.5" W

Antique Japanese Sendai region clothing tansu made with beautiful Keyaki wood in original red lacquer finish, the front frame edged in black lacquer, with large floral motif iron hardware, and a side lockbox with two drawers inside. Dates from the Meiji period 1868-1912. Size: 34.5" H x 46.5" W x 17" D

Antique Japanese isho tansu (clothing chest) from the Sendai or Iwayado area of Japan. The front of the tansu is made all of kiri (paulownia) wood and it has it's original finish and patina. A total of six exterior drawers range from large to small. The mid/lower right hand side has a safe box with 4 small interior drawers also made of kiri wood...

Unusual Antique Japanese two section (imho) clothing tansu with a kiri wood front and beautiful lacquered top, sides, and back. Each drawer has a round iron lockplate with the image of a crane. Nice small size for a two section tansu. Original finish. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). Size: 37" H x 35" L x 16" W

Japanese single section isho tansu (clothing chest) from the Iwayado area. It is made with keyaki (elm) wood on the front and has a beautiful all original translucent lacquer finish. This chest consists of four drawers of different sizes. Elaborate iron hardware includes a very large phoenix shaped lock plate on the top drawer and two peony shaped lock plates on two of the other drawers. Drawer pulls are warabite shaped...

Original example of a Japanese antique isho tansu from the Matsumoto area...

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest) made of keyaki (elm) wood with beautiful original finish and patina. The chest has two sets of sliding door panels and a total of 8 exterior drawers. On the right side is a vertical compartment with two small shelves most likely originally for ledger books. This is covered by a drop in panel. On the lower right is a small safe door with two visible interior drawers and one secret drawer. The tansu has wonderful wooden side bracing and iron han...

Antique Japanese 2 section isho tansu (clothing chest) from the Nihonmatsu area. Made with keyaki (elm) wood with dramatic grain and original deep reddish orange translucent lacquer finish. The chest is made up of four large drawers and a safe box in the lower right hand side which has two small drawers behind a locking safe door (with key). Lovely iron hardware includes warabite shaped drawer pulls, large lock plates with pine motif and elaborate cross bracing on the the safe door. Solid K...

Antique Japanese tansu chest, made all of kiri (paulownia) wood. The tansu has four large drawers, the bottom two of which are locked with a vertical locking bar also made of kiri wood. The two top drawers have wonderful large iron lock plates in the shape of peony flowers with raised flower buds. The corners of each drawer are reinforced with chrysanthemum shaped ironwork. The lower right side has a safe box with a hinged door reinforced with iron cross bracing. The drawer pulls are squa...

Beautiful tansu with a natural kiri wood front and gorgeous lacquer sugi frame, with iron hardware and black Iron handles on each of its drawers. Small locking door with a kan (ring shape) pull on its front. Its left and right sides have two iron handles and one large locking handle. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size: 33.5" height, 29.75" width, 15.25" depth

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 unusual Butsudan (Shrine), made from solid Keyaki Hardwood. Interesting lattice style sliding carved doors with glass, gorgeous burl Keyaki panels, four drawers, and a unique pull-out shelf that stores away unnoticed. Great original condition and finish. Late Meiji period (1868-1912). Size: 68" H, 35" W, 22" D

Japanese antique two section large choba tansu (merchant's chest) from the Kansai area, made with hinoki (Japanese cypress wood) with a beautiful natural finish. The top section has sliding panels made with keyaki burl (elm) and 4 drawers. The bottom section has 3 large drawers and another set of sliding panels with horizontal slats. The lower right hand side has a small drawer below which is a safe box with two interior drawers. The hardware is iron with warabite shaped handles. The top s...

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest) with interesting features such as semi circle corner hardware, cross plating over sliding doors, squared locks, and mokko (melon) style handles. Several areas of the tansu feature the same symbol burned into the wood. Very attractive, Meiji period piece. (1868-1912) Size: 34" H, 32.25" W, 15.5" D

Antique Japanese unusual chest with deep red lacquer background, its front, sides, back, and top decorated by metal overlay butterflies and dragonflies with gilt lacquer flower blossoms and leaves. Two hinged doors in front lock in the center by a large, shapely lock incised with flora, complete with key. Inside are many drawers with squared handles and gilt lacquer designs of leaves. Included is a beautiful gold stand with clawed feet, custom made for this piece. Meiji age (1868-1912) Size: ...

Original blond two section Antique Japanese Isho tansu. Beautiful natural kiri wood used in the entire construction of the piece. Kiri has desirable breathing characteristics for a clothing tansu. Wonderful original black iron Full Moon hardware with locking side handles. Overall in wonderful condition with top and sides of both pieces finished nicely. Dimensions: 41 1/2" high X 34 1/2" wide X 16" deep (height is taken when pieces are stacked) Early Meiji period (1868 - 1912)

Antique Japanese cha tansu (tea storage cabinet) made with a gorgeous lacquered hinoki (Japanese cypress) frame, and persimmon wood front panels. It has an open display shelving area with a branch accent, original glass panels, iron hirute handles, and plenty of storage space. Taisho period (1912-1925) Size: 46.5" height, 34.5" width 12.75" depth

Gorgeous Rare Japanese single section isho tansu (clothing chest) from Sado Island, made of kiri (paulownia) wood with translucent reddish orange lacquer finish, fantastic iron hardware including large and elaborate lockplates featuring phoenixes, safe door open to two small drawers, Meiji Period (circa late 1800's). Stunning original Condition Size: 44 1/2" high x 45 1/2" wide x 17 3/4" deep.

Japanese antique 2-section butsudan, a Buddhist shrine for use in the home. The front exterior of the shrine is made with beautiful red finish hardwood with black lacquer sides, folding silk meshed interior doors with gilt lacquer panels of flying cranes, a beautiful miniature temple scene inside where the image of a deity and offerings are to be placed. A carved gilt panel with dragons hangs overhead. The butsudan stand has four sliding black and gilt lacquer panels with images of trees, cranes...

Very unusual rare Japanese low tansu with a dark original lacquer finish, wonderful burl front drawers, hirute style handles, an unusual side locking box with many small brush drawers inside. Very charming and a true one of a Kind piece. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) All original and exceptional quality. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size: 29" height, 45" length, 17" depth

Antique Japanese Solid keyaki (elm) low tansu from the Yonezawa region. The top long drawer has an iron locking plate in it center, incised with bamboo leaves, and two sliding doors below. Very heavy solid original piece. 100% original condition and finish. Meiji age (1868-1912) Size: 18.75" height, 34.25" width, 16.25" depth

Charming Antique Japanese box with large lid, lacquered red and black with mother of pearl inlay. Black lacquer mon of pine tree and writing in black, heavy iron hardware. Has original holes for tying top to bottom for travel. The inscription on both sides state the name of the confectioner. Trans: Confectioners Matsuzaka Asano Rokkado. Late Edo Period- Meiji Period (19th century). Size: 17" high x 16" wide x 13 1/2" deep.

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 in Japan. Edo Period (late 18th Century. Stunning original Condition. Size: 32 1/2" high x 38" wide x 18" deep.

A stunning two section Japanese tansu from the Yonezawa region, made with Kuri (chestnut) front and Sugi (cedar) burl frame. The iron hardware is highly decorative with floral elements and incised cherry blossom mon (family crest) into each round lock plate, as well as attractive mokko "melon" style handles for each drawer. Top section has side lockbox with two drawers within. Beautiful lacquer finish. 19th century. Size: 38" height, 42" width, 18" depth

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...

Antique Japanese kannon biraki tansu, made with keyaki (elm) and hinoki (cypress) wood. Interior has four storage compartments. Top and sides have the same kanji marking burned into the wood. Beautiful, original finish. Very unusual. Size: 25.75" height, 23" length, 10" depth

Japanese antique isho tansu (clothing storage chest), made with chestnut wood drawer fronts and sugi (cryptomeria) wood frame, beautiful deep reddish brown lacquer finish on the drawer fronts and the sides and top of the chest, the frame on the front of the chest is lacquered black as is traditional with Fukashima area tansu. Iron hardware inlcudes large round lock plates and warabite shaped drawer pulls. The chest has four large drawers and two small drawers in the lower right hand corner....

Very Unusual Antique Japanese large safe box made all of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood, door has elaborate six drop-in hinges (when door is unlocked it can be lifted completely off), other hardware inlcludes heavy iron cross and corner bracing, heavy side handles, and warabite shaped drawer pulls on the two interior drawers, the outside of the box is finished with it's original reddish orange translucent lacquer finish. Edo Period (circa 1850's) Size: 41 1/2" high (42" high including ...

Original Antique Japanese sword tansu made from kiri (paulownia) wood with a brown lacquer finish. The front features four long drawers and one small drawer with iron locks and handles. Original finish.

Mid Edo age (1603-1868)

Size: 42" L X 12" D X 14" H

Rare Antique Japanese two section isho tansu (clothing chest) from Sado Island. Beautiful burl keyaki (elm) wood front with original lacquer finish, interior all kiri (paulownia) wood, four large drawers with three smaller drawers on the right, safe box in lower right hand corner with three small interior drawers also with keyaki fronts and iron hardware. One drawer has a secret compartment. Unusually beautiful and elaborate iron hardware with pierced, incised and raised details: the top two dra...

A charming Japanese small tansu made from kiri (paulownia) wood, with attractive, simple iron fittings. Each drawer features a round iron lock plate and gunbai style handles. Size: 22.5" height, 25" width, 13" depth

Japanese kaidan tansu, or step tansu with glowing hardwood finish, Hinoki (cypress) frame and Sugi wood steps. The bottom two steps have Keyaki (elm) front drawers with warabite iron handles. A Sugi wood cabinet door with vertical slats opens from the largest area with roomy storage. Unusual Size, very usable. Size: 45.25" height, 31.5" length, 23.25" depth

Japanese antique large 3 piece cha display tansu, ornately carved all over with birds and flowers and with deep blue lacquer panels decorated with bone inlaid scenes of a maiden with two children as well as more birds and flowers on other panels. The upper portion of the tansu has two cabinet doors on either side of a compartment with two sliding panels. In the middle section of the chest are six shelves of different sizes which are staggered at different intervals for display. To the lower...

Antique Japanese two-section kiri (paulownia) wood issho tansu, or clothing chest. Has a dramatic woodgrain and original finish. Adorned with spade-shaped iron locks and warabite handles. The bottom section has a safe box with two small drawers inside. Meiji Period, All original, 100% Kiri Wood. Very Presentable Size: 40.5" height, 37" width, 16" depth

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest) made with keyaki (elm) wood burl on the front with sugi (cryptomeria) wood frame, 9 drawers and compartment with sliding panels, original finish with beautiful patina, Taisho Period. Size: 39 1/2" high x 33 3/4" wide x 16 1/2" deep.