Antique Japanese tansu cabinet – Taishō / Showa Period (c.1912-1970)
- Dimensions: Length: 93 cm Depth: 49 cm Height: 163 cm
- Style: Taishō
- Materials and techniques: Shorea (Shorea spp.), Japanese Red Pine (Pinus densiflora), Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), Plywood
- Place of origin: Japan
- Epoch: Late Taishō, early Showa period
- Date of manufacture: Circa 1912-1970
- Condition: Good. Wear commensurate with age and use.
Original Japanese cabinet in the Taishō style, a domestic storage piece conceived during a transitional period in Japan, when traditional craftsmanship coexisted with new formal influences and the early modernization of interior spaces.
The cabinet presents a well-proportioned vertical structure, with an upper section featuring hinged doors that open onto interior shelving, and a lower section composed of sliding doors and integrated drawers. This combination of open and closed storage responds to a practical and flexible use, characteristic of early 20th-century Japanese furniture.
Crafted in solid wood, the exterior displays a deep, dark patina developed through time and sustained use, while the interior retains a lighter tone, highlighting the natural contrast between function and aging. The original metal fittings, discreet and functional, reinforce the sober and utilitarian character of the piece.
Free of unnecessary ornamentation, this cabinet embodies the spirit of the Taishō period: honest, well-constructed furniture designed to integrate naturally into domestic life. Its architectural presence and generous storage capacity make it an especially versatile piece today.
Ideal as a cupboard, storage unit, or vertical sideboard, it integrates effortlessly into contemporary, wabi-sabi, or eclectic interiors.
Historical Context — Taishō Period
The Taishō period (1912–1926) marked a moment of cultural openness in Japan, with increased Western influence and a shift toward more rational forms. In furniture and architecture, traditional woodworking techniques were preserved while introducing more structured compositions and a clearer functional organization of space. Taishō furniture is defined by its balance between inherited craftsmanship and early modern sensibilities.
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 kitchen cabinet can be combined with any of our tv furniture or with our available antique console tables.
ONE OF A KIND
