Beautiful Japanese antique kaidan tansu (step tansu) made of dramatic keyaki (elm) wood burl, iron hardware with hirute shaped drawer pulls, in two sections, Edo Period, circa 1850s, (early 19th century). Size: 76 3/4" high x 71 1/2" wide x 27 1/2" deep.

The two fine and old haribako (Japanese Sewing Box) that we offer here on our site are likely the oldest ones you will see offered for sale. They come from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. This lovely chest of paulownia and pine has the original hardware, original ruler, and original pincushion. 18.5h x 9d x 7.5w inches, 47h x 23d x 19w cm. Very Good Condition.

An antique Japanese Sendai Ko Bo Tansu (personal chest with locking bar) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original Urushi lacquer finish and hand made iron hardware with Warabite handles. The bottom main drawer has a lock plate that features the lucky Sho Chiku Bai motif with a crane and a turtle added for additional good luck and longevity. The hinged door has two small drawers hidden behind. Also, there is natural built-up patina surrounding the metal-work...

An antique Japanese Choba (merchant) Tansu made of solid keyaki (zalkova) wood with Burl keyaki sliding doors. The upper portion of the Tansu has a sliding door with interior shelf. The lower portion has 5 drawers with iron hardware locks. Matsumoto is a special city located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

Date: Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 33" tall X 32.5" wide X 15.5" deep

Beautiful rare Japanese kusuri medical tansu, made of keyaki wood (zelkova) front, top and sides. Sugi wood interior. Original finish and hardware, lacquer with orange, dark reddish, brown and mahogany tones. Five rows of drawers of varying sizes, which includes a larger drawer with a beautiful lock at the bottom. Iron hardware on each drawer and side handles...

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...

Japanese Kiri wood tansu from the late Edo age (circa 1850's). Simple yet elegant four even drawers with iron hardware at all corners. Each Drawer has round iron locking mechanism. Fantastic Piece Dimensions: 27 1/2" High X 26" Long X 14" Deep

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

An unusual large Japanese bowl featuring three light purple elephants in ceremonial attire resting among many flowers. The bowl is excellent condition, except for some wear to the gold around the rim. Measures 11.5 inches in diameter. Dates late Edo, late 1840's.

Wonderful Japanese hirado ware porcelain figure of a dragon fish jumping out of waves, a traditional symbol of transformation, white glazed porcelain with tinge of brown along edges on one side and blue underglazed eyes, Meiji Period (19th century). Size: 12 3/4" high x 9 1/2" wide x 10" deep.

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest), kiri (paulownia) wood with beautiful iron hardware, large cut out iron lock plates, square drawer pulls, safe box in lower right corner with heavy iron work on door ( 1 key), interior of safe has 3 small kiri drawers, (total of 9 drawers of different sizes on whole piece), Edo Period (c1850). Size: 30 1/2" high x 24" wide x 12 1/2" deep.

Extremely rare pair of Victorian cast iron flamingo garden ornaments. Dating from the late 19th century, these flamingos are exceptional. I've seen many later versions in concrete or plastic, but never another pair this old or made of cast iron. These birds appear to be enjoying their third or fourth layer of paint, but the newest layer appears to be a good 50 years old. The outermost and innermost layers are nearly the same color, with an intervening layer of softer pink...

Antique Japanese choba tansu made of keyaki (elm) wood. The top portion has two small drawers. The middle portion has a compartment opened by sliding panels with horizontal slats. The slats are made of quarter sawn keyaki wood which dramatically accents the striped quality of the wood grain. Below this is a single large drawer. The hardware is made of iron and includes round lock plates.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 31" high x 24" wide x 14 3/4" deep.

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu also known as a merchant chest made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods,most likely from the Nigata area of Japan. Featuring a Ryo Biraki (hinged double door) design it has a split level shelf where documents and merchant books were stored. Gumpai style handles and hand made iron fittings decorate this chest.

Merchant chests such as these were primarily displayed in a prominent location in the store...

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia)wood. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles. Lock plates which symbolize the full moon and decorative corners to each of the drawer fronts. Side carrying handles. Hardened wooden nail construction. Consisting of 5 drawers for organizing and spacious storage.

Age: Meiji Era (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 23 1/4" Wide by 23 3/4" High by 12" Deep

Japanese antique single section isho tansu (storage chest for clothing), made with all keyaki (elm) wood on drawer fronts, the sides and top are sugi (cryptomeria) wood and lacquered a deep reddish brown, nice iron hardware with warabite shaped drawer pulls, seven drawers of various sizes, Meiji Period. Size: 33 1/4" high x 35 1/2" wide x 17 1/2" deep.

Beautiful and rare large Japanese futon tansu, two sections, all keyaki front with dramatic grain, top section has 4 sliding panels which open to one large compartment, bottom section has 9 drawers of various sizes, a pair of sliding panels with horizontal slats covers a compartment with two small drawers, iron hardware including hirute shaped drawer pulls, the large sliding panels have bronze pulls with a chrysanthemum motif, beautiful deep brown original lacquer finish, Meiji Period. ...

Garniture containing brooch and long earrings made of gold with rubies, pearls and details of enamel.
Marvelous assembly with a great deal of movement. Possibly Russian, circa 1800 (there are no visible seals or markings) and is in its original box.
Dimensions:
Brooch: 8 cm. length X 5 cm. width.
Earrings: 6.3 cm. length X 2.3 cm. width.

This remarkable hira tea bowl displays a subtle grace and refined elegance grounded in classic form, masterfully applied glazing, and a delightful rustic feel bestowed by the hand of time. Though the glazing is described as shiro-yu, or white glazing, it appears more of a creamy shade of beige...

Antique Japanese Gyosho Bako, Edo Period, mid 19th century. It has two moving locks on the exterior. The interior has one large drawer and seven smaller drawers. It measures 13" wide 18" deep 31.5" tall.

This attractive antique full length 18K watch chain has alternating carved ornamental solid gold by-pyramid link (what we call a "fancy" link) which connects to a pair of linked rings, which connects to simple solid gold by-pyramid link. The C1880 chain measures 59 inches long. It can be worn in various lengths, doubled or tripled, with a locket or pendant, or just as is, shown in the images below. A screwed in bolt clip allows you to add a pendant, if desired...

An antique Japanese Suzuribako (calligraphy writing box) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles on the lid and drawer front.

This box originally functioned as an essential instrument for storing writing paper, brushes, ink and the inkstone. Whether it was a merchant writing a customer receipt or a professional calligrapher writing a personal letter for a farmer, this box was always ready for duty...

Antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) from the Tohoku area, made of with Kiri (Paulownia) wood front and Sugi (Cryptomeria) wood frame...

An antique Japanese Byosho Bako (peddler's chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware. Two loop rings where a carrying rope was once attached allowing the merchant to carry this chest on his back. The hinged door opens to 5 drawers used for the storage of wares for sale. A few small ink stains on the upper surface attests to the merchant using the top as a writing surface when writing sales.

Meiji Period (1870-1890)

Dimensions: 12 1/2" Wide b...

An antique Japanese Chobako (merchant box) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware. Upper carrying handle and hinged door that hides 4 drawers of varying sizes used by a merchant to store writing paper, receipts, money and calligraphy brushes.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 10" Wide by 12 1/4" High by 14 3/4" Deep

An amusing netsuke form model of a mischievous monkey dressed as a Manzai dancer based on an Ivory model of the late Edo period. The figure is crisply modelled, the head partially bisque with cobalt blue and iron brown glaze applied to the head dress and flowing robes. Both the head and the long tongue are separately modelled from the base. Sarumiwashi, trained monkeys were a popular form of entertainment in Japan, and also performed as part of Shinto rituals relating to the New Year. The netsuk...

An antique Japanese Kanazawa Mizuya Tansu in two sections made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. Original Bengara Urushi lacquer finish and hand made bronze hardware including the stylized Mokko handles. Sliding doors all open to spacious storage areas with removable shelves as well as five organizing drawers.. A trick lift-up and out door hides an area for additional storage. Side ribs for visual design and additional strength.

Originally used in the kitchen of a Japane...

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest), keyaki (elm) wood front, sugi (cryptomeria) wood frame, 2 drawers on top, 6 drawers of various sizes on bottom portion, middle portion has sliding panels with horizontal slats of keyaki wood with sugi wood panels, behind sliding panel on right hand side are two shelves and two small interior drawers with keyaki wood fronts and iron hardware, behind the sliding panel on the left side is one interior shelf, extensive iron hardware on front ...

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest), made with hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood on the front, sugi (cryptomeria) wood sides and top, and kiri (paulownia) wood drawer interiors. The top portion has a full width drawer below which is a compartment covered by two large sliding panels.
The lower portion has 7 drawers of various size and a safe box in the lower right hand corner with two interior drawers. Hardware includes Hirute drawer pulls, square lock plates and corner br...

An antique Japanese 2 section Mizuya tansu made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Two sets of large sliding doors behind which large jars of water from the river or stream were stored for food preparation and cooking. The drawers along the bottom were used to store kitchen tools and utensils.

Contemporary functional uses for this chest include using it as an elegant storage cabinet or using the sections separately with the bottom section used as a buffet and the upper...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of a rare Keyaki root burl (Zelkova Tamo), Kirinoki (Paulownia), and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hardware including Gumbai drawer pulls and sliding door handles featuring a gold inlay flying dragon amongst the sea and clouds. Multiple merchant drawers are hidden behind the sliding doors with an open space storage area where merchant books and records were stored.

The sliding doors ingeniously hide a secret set of drawe...

An antique Japanese single section Sendai Tansu made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute style handles. The lock plates feature an incised flying crane and a pine tree, both representing longevity and good luck. The corners on the drawer fronts have the raised turnip (Kabu) design and the handle back plates have incised Chrysanthemums. This is a rare example of quality metal smithing during the Edo era.

Age: Edo Period (18...

Since Satsuma printed porcelain have got a great reputation at Expo 1867 in Paris, Satsuma brand has been very popular in Europe.The specialization on making body and printing has been going on in early Meiji period, the bodies was made in Satsuma area Kagoshima pref.and was printed in Yokohama or Kyoto and so on. This piece was printed at Chindo workshop in Yokohama. It has sophisticated patterns of mainly fishes. And there is a tiny chip repaired on the edge. SIZE: 21.4cm(D)/2.4cm(H)

An antique Japanese Gyosho Bako also known as a merchant peddler's chest with the outer case and hinged door made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and the inner drawers and drawer floor boards made of Hinoki (Cypress) woods. All original Urushi lacquer finish and hand made iron fittings. Side handles swivel up allowing a wood or bamboo pole to slide through so that two attendants can easily transport the chest. Alternatively, the horizontal wooden bar securing a rope in conjunction with the two rope h...

Antique Japanese fune tansu (ship safe box), made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) and sugi (cryptomeria) woods with kiri (paulownia) wood on inside of drawers, heavy iron hardware including cross bracing on both the front and back, heavy iron hinges on door, interior has 6 drawers of different sizes two of which have iron lock plates, warabite shaped drawer pulls and handle on top, Edo Period (late 18th/early 19th century). Size: 16 1/2" high x 16" wide x 17" deep.

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu (stacking 2 section chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute handles. Full moon lock plates with quarter and semi-circular front drawer corner plates that accentuates the theme. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. Each section has side carrying handles. Upper section has side locking pins to secure the sections in place.

Age: Early Meiji...

Rare Tibetan hand-painted lacquer altar cabinet. Original finish with patina. The front three panels depict three faces. The left face has red skin and green hair with eyes opened wide. The middle face is upside down with eyes coming out of its skull, representing the kapala or skull cup used in sacred Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies. The face on the right is called citipati, representing both the eternal dance of death as well as perfect awareness. Two of the panels are hinged and open to the sp...

Length approximately 8.7 cm (across the handles). In good condition.

An antique Japanese merchant box made of Kuri (Chestnut) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware and wiped Urushi lacquer finish. Hinged door opens to four storage drawers. Top handle used for carrying this box from client to client. Originally used

Age: Edo Era (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 9 1/2" Wide by 10 1/2" High by 11 3/4" Deep

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. On the lower left portion ...

Length approximately 14cm (across the handles). In good condition.

An antique Japanese Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) in 2 sections made of HInoki (Cypress) and Keyaki (Zelkkova) woods. All original hand forged iron handles including the Mokko style handles. Upper section has 2 sliding doors with iron wire mesh screen that was used similar to the western pie safe with 4 drawers below. The lower section has 2 sliding doors behind which is a removable shelf with 2 side by side drawers below. Side supports added strength and visual design to the chest. Construc...

An antique Kansai Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. Two sets of sliding doors hide spacious areas where the merchant kept his business books and records. Four drawers were used to keep valuables and merchant tools and accessories. Behind the bottom sliding doors to the right are three drawers where hidden valuables were stored. A secret false floor on the drawer to t...

Antique Tibetan trunk with lid, hand-painted in pigments of red, green, orange, yellow, and gold. The front of the chest with a dragon medallion, surrounded by blooming flowers, smoke, scrolling motifs and auspicious symbols. The lid is secured shut by a front clasp and metal rings attaching it to the body of the trunk.

Dates from 18th century Dimensions: 39 3/4" L x 16 1/2" D x 22" H

An antique Japanese Nihon Matsu Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) that was made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original beautiful Urushi lacquer finish and hand made iron and bronze hardware including the Warabite handles. Pine and plum blossom Atari (handle backstops) and lock plates featuring a wealthy traveler's hat, Mino (straw cape), Takarabukuro (treasure bag) and Uchide No Kozuchi (treasure mallet). A natural dark patina developed around all of the metal...

An antique Japanese Ko Tansu (personal storage chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Hidden behind the hinged door are two small drawers. All original hand made iron fittings with Gumbai handle with a natural wood grain finish and straight dovetail joinery construction.

Chests such as these were used in a home to store letters, photos, miscellaneous ephemera, small valuables and other sundry items. It was an invaluable piece of Japanese furniture that ke...

Antique Japanese kuruma tansu (wheeled chest), made all solid quartered sawn keyaki (zelkova) hardwood with beautiful and dramatic natural grain. The upper and lower portions of the chest have open compartments which close with sliding panels. Each panel is reinforced with either vertical or horizontal wooden slats. A heavy hand forged iron plate sits in place along with hand forged iron locks and hardware with a key to keep the door panels from sliding. The back and sides have wonderful hea...

Fabulous and extremely rare hand-forged iron trade sign in the form of a pretzel. The sign retains an old gilt surface. There is a strong trace of red, yellow and blue paint on the back side and edges of the pretzel, no doubt the colors that were used on the wall or backboard to which the sign was attached through the 13 mounting holes. There also appears to be a red layer underneath the gold. This layer was probably intended to be an undercoating to give the gilding more depth. I don't thi...

A beautiful tall 3 section Mikuni Kimono Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware with Hikute handles and natural Urushi lacquer finish. Upper section has 2 sliding doors with 3 side by side drawers below. The center section has 3 full width drawers and the bottom section has 1 full width drawer, a partial width drawer and a hinged security door protecting 2 small drawers. An unusual feature is the very elaborate backplates behind each...

An antique Japanese two section Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress), Kakinoki (Persimmon) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. It originated from the Suruga region of Japan (now Shizuoka prefecture).

Unique configuration of sliding doors, drawers and hidden storage compartment makes this tansu a versatile and beautiful work of art. The Persimmon wood panels and drawer fronts were purposefully chosen by the original tansu maker with the bottom drawers representing waves of ...

Japanese antique isho tansu (clothing chest) from the Sendai area, made with all keyaki (elm) wood front with dramatic grain and translucent lacquer finish, elaborate thick iron hardware including moko shaped drawer pulls and ornate raised scrolling vine lock plates with unusual mon of a pair of sumo fans, large drawer on top, three drawers of the same width but that get gradually deeper as they go down, two smaller drawers and a safebox on the right side, safebox also has ornate iron work ...

An antique Japanese 1/2 Sendai Tansu made of Kakinoki (Persimmon) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Hand made iron fittings featuring beautiful lock plates on the drawers and the hinged door.

There are 2 secret hiding compartments behind the hinged door. The first is found by sliding out the bottom drawer separator wall revealing a secret storage area where valuables could be hidden. The second is found within the top drawer support floor board which can be opened like a drawer where...

A rare antique Japanese Okidoko (display stand for a Tokonoma room) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. The top is one thick solid long piece of this rare wood. With 2 pairs of sliding doors behind which objects of art and scrolls were stored.

Designers have incorporated this style chest into an entry way bench where guests would sit to take off their shoes and store them within its confines.

Age: Meiji period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 116 1/2" Wide by 12 1/2" High by 13 5/8" Dee...

A heavy, portable, antique metal bound wood cabinet fitted with drawers and a carrying handle made in Japan, circa 1800-1900 or possibly earlier. Condition: there is considerable age wear which includes minor losses to the edges and the metal mounts. 38cm (15inches) high;33cm (13inches) wide; 44cm(17.3inches) deep. Weight: 8kg (approx 17.5lb)

日本或韩国产镶金属件木匣/小木箱 - 19世纪...

Beautiful two section Kiri wood Fukushima Isho Tansu (clothing chest), safe with two drawers behind, frame Hinoki wood, heavy iron square locks and "C" shape handles. Age Meiji Period c.1900. Size: 42.75" height x 35.75" length x 16.75" width

An antique Japanese Kansai 2 section tall Todana Tansu made of solid Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. Hand made iron fittings and hardened wooden nail and iron nail construction. Traditional Japanese joinery throughout this lovey chest. Shunkei style lacquer reveals the beautiful grain pattern which evokes visual movement. Side wood supports typical of Kansai region tansu.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 66" High x 41 3/4" Wide x 23 3/4" Deep

From a large collection of Edo period Nabeshima and Hirado-ware, this intricately crafted incense burner in the shape of a lantern features two intertwined dragons dancing around the base. Various parts of the lantern are painted with clouds, dragons, and arabesque designs, making for a unique and impactful composition.

Hirado wares—alternately known as Mikawachi wares in some contexts—are known throughout Japan and also abroad for their high quality and fine craftsmanship that ...

So Special! Large and old double-sided blacksmithing trade sign.

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest) made with all kiri (paulownia) wood on the front and sugi (cryptomeria) wood on the sides and top. The tansu has a full-width drawer on the upper portion above a compartment with sliding panels on the left and two small drawers on the right. The lower portion of the chest has two medium sized drawers on the left and a safe box above a small drawer on the lower right. The safe has a door with heavy iron hardware which opens to two small interior ...

Western Jin (ca.300 A.D.) style Chinese bronze incense burner. Probably a later production. A boy is riding on a legendary animal (a turtle body with dragon or Qilin head). His right arm is raised up holding a traditional incense burner (Bo Shan Lu). It is in excellent condition. H: 10 inches, W: 5 inches, D: 3 ¼ inches