Catalog (948)

An antique Japanese Gyosho Tansu (peddler's chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. The hinged door opens to 4 drawers where the merchant's wares were stored. The bottom drawer was used to keep documents, writing brushes, an inkstone and other business related accessories. Two iron rings on each side used with rope for carrying this chest on a peddler's back. All original finish and hardware with straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Edo Period (1603-186...

An antique Japanese Funa Tansu (Captain's Chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original finish and hand made iron fittings. It was constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. The base has an original cross beam support that adds strength and durability to this chest. A hidden secret lidded box hides behind the bottom right drawer with retrieval by way of the back of the bottom left drawer.

Originally used in the captain's quarters of a merch...

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...

A rare antique Japanese Kuruma Tansu (wheeled chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. All original including the finish and hand made iron fittings. Unique all drawer design. Iron rope rings on each corner to help roll this chest from place to place. Mortise and tenon joinery and hardened wood nails used in its construction. Sides and back horizontal ribs for added strength and durability.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1868).

Dimensions: 43" Wide x 40" High x ...

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu (stacked chest on chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original finish and hand made iron fittings. Hinged door hides two small drawers behind. Straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nail construction. Top section has two side carrying handles while bottom section has swivel carrying handles with attached locking pins to secure both sections together.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 36 1/4 W...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant store chest) made of Kuwa (old Mulberry) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. All original hand made iron fittings and finish. Two center hinged doors are removable with the hook and loop style hinge design. Front Warabite handles with two carrying handles on each side for positioning the chest and the additional swivel handles used with a wood pole to carry the chest from place to place. Lower right hinged door hides 3 smaller drawers.

Merchant che...

An antique Japanese Katana Tansu (sword chest) made entirely of Suginoki (Cryptomeria) wood. All original hand made iron fittings including the Hirute drawer handles. Some loss to the metal commensurate with its age. Large top drawer stored the Katana, medium drawer stored the Wakazashi and the small drawer stored the polishing tools and extra hardware.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

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

A rare antique Japanese Kusuri Tansu (herbal medicine pharmacist chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original finish and hand made iron fittings. Includes swivel side carrying handles which when flipped up allowed a wood or bamboo pole to slide through allowing two attendants to carry the chest about. Sliding doors allowed access to a storage area where herbal books, customer notes and prescriptions were stored. Total of 86 drawers make up this tansu.

An antique Japanese Edo era Ko Tansu (personal storage chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original finish and hand made iron fittings. Made with straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. Original used to store daily documents, ephemera, small utilitarian accessories and personal items. Present day uses include using it as a small side table or a bedside nightstand.

Size: 19 7/8"W 14 3/8"D 14 3/4"H Age: early Edo Period (1644-1868)

An antique Japanese low Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria). Two sliding doors open to a spacious storage area with a removable shelf. Originally this chest was used for the storage of water jars. Present day uses would include doubling as a stereo cabinet or acting as a beautiful buffet.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1900)

Dimensions: 42" Wide x 33" High x 16 1/2" Deep

An antique Japanese Kimono Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original hand made iron fittings with an open ceremonial fan design on the lock plates and Hirute drawer handles. Recessed hidden side handles on the upper section. The bottom section features slightly exposed side handles serving a dual purpose both as carrying handles as well as locking connections to the upper half of the tansu.

Age: Late Meiji Period (1890-1910)

Dimens...

A very rare antique Japanese Funa Tansu (captain's ship chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods with a Urushi lacquer finish. All original hand made iron fittings with strapping over the top, sides and back of the chest. Unusual bottom hinged door design where the right door opens to two drawers behind and the left pho hinged door slides across revealing a small drawer and another pho drawer. This pho drawer is actually a cover that hides a Kirinoki wood pull out box. On...

An antique Japanese 2 section Isho Biraki Tansu (Kimono Chest with hinged doors) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. The two doors open to a spacious storage area that houses 2 removable shelves with compartment separators. The bronze and iron fittings are original to the chest. Each section has recessed side handles. The ones on the lower section protrude slightly at act as a locking system when connected to the upper half. Construction includes straight dovetail joinery and harde...

An antique Japanese Tohoku Tansu made of beautiful Keyaki Burl root (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original finish and hand made iron fittings including stylized Kakute handles. The top and sides used a traditional wiped lacquer technique. Raised tea leaf style corners on the drawers which is a traditional design for this region of tansu. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails. Used as a double drawer kimono storage chest.

Meiji period (1868-1912...

An antique Japanese Katana Tansu (sword chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All of the iron fittings are original and hand made including the Hirute handles. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 43 5/8" Wide x 12" High x 12 1/8"Deep

Rare an unusual antique Japanese Kuruma Tansu (Wheeled Chest) made of Kurinoki (Chestnut) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Strength and durability provided by wood structural slats on all sides as well as the top. Split level shelf behind the sliding front doors with two small storage drawers along the front bottom. Both the finish and the hand made iron fittings are original to the chest.

Age: Mid Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 31 1/2" Wide x 27 1/2" High x 17" Deep

A rare antique Japanese Ko Tansu used as a fancy personal storage chest made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. Both original finish and hand made iron fittings including the Kakute handles. Likely a specially commissioned custom made chest by a wealthy individual or family. Unusual features include the sliding three door design of cranes and bamboo, the carved decorative base and the triangular hardened wooden nail construction.

Age: Early Meiji Era (1868-1880)

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

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 35 1/4" Wide x 9 ...

An antique Japanese Katana Tansu known as a sword chest made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original finish and hand made iron fittings including the Hirute handles. Construction includes using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 43 3/4" Wide x 12 1/2" High x 12 1/8" Deep

An antique Japanese Katana tansu (sword chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original finish and hand made iron fittings including the Warabite handles. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery with hardened wood nails. Unusual removable wooden 2 part sword holder that floats the swords within the bottom drawer and the two top drawers have a center divider.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 42" Wide x 13 1/4" High x 11 3/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Sendai Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. The front features a beautiful finish of natural Urushi lacquer with a top and sides finished in a wiped lacquer technique. The Sendai tansu showcases a wide top drawer lock plate that highlights an incised stylized Chrysanthemum blossom with its corresponding leaves. The Mokko style handles also feature Chrysanthemum back plates. It was constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nai...

An antique Japanese Ko Tansu known as a personal storage chest made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original reddish bronze fittings using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails in its construction. The two sliding doors hides a split level shelf with additional storage.

Originally used to store letters, books, documents, writing instruments, and other personal family effects. Present day function includes using it as a bed side cabinet or displaying it as a s...

This is an antique Japanese tall 2 section kimono tansu that was made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. The finish and the hand made iron fittings are all original to the chest. Behind the sliding doors is a storage area with a split level shelf. The bottom section features a hinged door that hides two small drawers. The sides and top of the tansu has a natural Urushi wiped lacquer finish.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 35" Wide x 64" High x 1...

An antique Japanese Matsumoto Kimono Tansu made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand made iron fittings including stylized Mokko handles with unusual front drawer corner decorative plates. Each side has its main swivel carrying handles where a bamboo pole slipped through and two attendants on each side would easily transport this chest. The two lower hand handles would be used to position and place the tansu. Two small drawers hide behind the hinged door.

Age: Meiji...

An antique rare Japanese Ko Tansu (Personal Storage Chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Raden (Mother of Pearl) inlay over a burlap black Urushi lacquer foundation. A floral design showcasing a landscape scene of a full moon peeking over mystic clouds with birds in flight and in the water. A footbridge is being crossed by scholars with Wisteria above and Plum trees balancing out the design.

Original bronze fittings and some loss commensurate with its ...

An antique Japanese Gyosho Tansu also known as a merchant peddler's chest made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Five drawers behind the hinged front door and a sixth drawer below the door. The sides have upper iron cord holding rings and cord holes at the bottom which allowed the merchant to carry this tansu on his back while transporting his wares. All original hand made iron hardware.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 10 1/2" Wide x 27" High x 19" Deep

An antique Japanese Ko Bo Tansu (personal storage chest with locking bar) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Hinged door hides three small drawer behind. Unusual tapered locking bar design. All original finish and hand made iron fittings with Kakute handles.

Contemporary uses include using it as a bedside nightstand or complementing any room as a side table.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 26 3/4" Wide x 23 1/2" High x 14" Deep

An antique Japanese 2 Section Kamidana Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova), Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. The top section was used as a Shinto shrine with a multi-level platform and original paper charms still attached to the interior walls. Built into the platform are sliding doors where Shinto religious artifacts were stored.

The bottom section has three large drawers, each with spacious storage. The chest was constructed using through mortise and tenon joinery as wel...

An antique Japanese 1 section Todana Tansu made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Four sliding doors open to a spacious storage area behind. Four drawers along the bottom allow for additional organized storage below. Original hand made iron fittings complete this beautiful chest.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 66 7/8" Wide x 33 1/2" High x 23 3/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Kiri Kasane Tansu (stacking chest on chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original finish and hand made iron fittings. Two small drawers behind the small hinged door. Hidden behind the bottom small drawer is a secret pull-out box that was used to store valuables by the original Japanese owner of this chest.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 38 1/2" Wide x 40 1/2" High x 17 1/2" Deep

An antique Japanese Sakata Funa Tansu also known as a ship captain's chest with a Keyaki (Zelkova) wood exterior and a Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood interior. Finished in a natural Urushi lacquer, it showcases the beautiful wood grain. Hidden to the right behind the sliding doors are small drawers for additional storage and a removable Kakesuzuri Bako complete with inkstone. All of the bronze fittings are original to the piece and the dovetail joinery adds strength and durability to this fine wor...

An antique Japanese 2 section Nihon Matsu Tansu made of Urushi lacquered Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original finish and hand made iron fittings. Features double plum blossom Atari (handle stoppers) above and below the handles with Sho Chiku Bai (Pine tree, Bamboo, and Plum Blossom), lock plates featuring Chrysanthemum knobs. Two small drawers hide behind the hinged door.

The Nihon Matsu tansu is traditionally a large kimono storage chest that has spacious storage...

An antique Japanese Kuruma Tansu known as a storage chest on wheels made of Keyaki (Zelkova), Kiri (Chestnut) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Hidden behind the two sliding doors are two small drawers and a split level shelf. Situated below the doors are two side by side drawers for added storage. The sides of the chest feature cross rib supports and through mortise and tenon joinery for additional strength and support.

The Kuruma tansu has become a rare chest over the years. During t...

An antique Japanese Kansai Tansu in an unusual and unique multi-drawer design made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware with straight dovetail joinery and using hardened wood nails in its construction. Divided compartment behind the sliding upper doors with wall separator allows for strength on its top where heavy objects can be displayed. Handles were designed in the Hirute style.

Age: Late Meiji Period (1890-1912)

Dimensions: 33 1/4" Wide x 36 3/8" High x ...

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...

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova), Suginoki (Cryptomeria) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. Original Urushi lacquer front with a wiped lacquer technique used on the body. Hand made iron fittings with the round sliding door handles featuring an incised design of a lucky Pine tree and an old Minka (thatched roof Japanese home). The bottom hinged door opens to reveal a set of 3 small drawers.

Merchant chests provided two important key elements for the ...