Antique Japanese Tansu chest of drawers – Meiji / Taishō Period (c.1868-1926)
- Dimensions: Length: 90 cm Depth: 42 cm Height: 112 cm
- Style: Meiji
- Materials and techniques:Paulownia (Paulownia spp.), Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
- Place of origin: Japan
- Epoch: Late Meiji, early Taishō period
- Date of manufacture: Circa 1868-1926
- Condition: Good. Wear commensurate with age and use.
Original Japanese tansu from the Meiji period, conceived in a vertical format with sober lines and composed of a sequence of wide drawers that underline its functional and architectural character. Crafted from a combination of paulownia and Japanese cedar, the piece brings together structural lightness and excellent stability—essential qualities in traditional Japanese domestic furniture.
Circular black iron fittings and reinforced corner brackets create a clear graphic contrast against the wood, whose surface displays a rich, even patina shaped by time and use. Subtle traces of wear enhance its authenticity and reinforce a pronounced wabi-sabi aesthetic. Balanced in proportion and presence, this is a versatile piece, ideal as a primary chest of drawers or main storage cabinet.
Historical Context — Meiji Period
The Meiji period marked a pivotal transition in Japan, when long-established craft traditions coexisted with new forms of domestic organization. Tansu from this era are distinguished by their functionality, modularity, and durability, while preserving inherited construction techniques and a sober aesthetic deeply rooted in everyday life in late 19th-century Japan.
The state of conservation is optimal, except for the characteristic imperfections of any antique produced by the passage of time.
Give a point of originality to your home with a unique piece, which merges with the contemporary style bringing personality to your home. This antique Japanese chest of drawers can be combined with any of our benches or with our available antique low tables.
ONE OF A KIND
