Antique Japanese chest of drawers – Taishō / Showa period (c.1912-1945)
- Dimensions: Length: 91 cm Depth: 40 cm Height: 99 cm
- Style: Taishō
- Materials and techniques:Paulownia (Paulownia spp.), Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
- Place of origin: Japan
- Epoch: Late Taishō, early Showa period
- Date of manufacture: Circa 1912-1945
- Condition: Good. Wear commensurate with age and use.
Original Japanese tansu from the Taishō period, with a vertical format and well-balanced proportions, conceived as a domestic storage chest of generous capacity. The piece is composed of four wide drawers arranged in a clear and rhythmic vertical sequence, emphasizing its functional and architectural character.
The cabinet is made from a combination of paulownia (Paulownia spp.) and Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica). Paulownia provides structural lightness and stability, while Japanese cedar is used in secondary elements, contributing to smooth drawer movement and balanced behavior in changing humidity conditions. This combination of woods is characteristic of early 20th-century Japanese furniture.
Original metal fittings—recessed pulls, small decorative lock plates, and reinforced corner brackets—articulate the façade with restraint and precision. Their dark patina contrasts subtly with the warm tone of the wood, reinforcing the sober and utilitarian aesthetic of the piece.
The Taishō period (1912–1926) represents a moment of transition in Japan, when traditional craftsmanship coexisted with new domestic needs and a more rational organization of interior space. Furniture from this period retains inherited construction techniques while adopting clearer compositions and a greater formal sobriety.
The wood surface displays a deep, even patina, with marks of use, softened edges, and tonal variations consistent with its age. These traces are an integral part of its wabi-sabi character, reflecting a piece designed for everyday domestic use.
With its dimensions (91 × 40 × 99 cm), this tansu works naturally as a main chest of drawers, storage cabinet, or a strong focal element in contemporary, Japanese, or eclectic interiors.
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 armchairs or with our available antique tv furniture.
ONE OF A KIND
