Unusual Japanese gyosho bako tansu (merchant's chest). With original red lacquer finish, this large piece holds three very deep drawers, each with squared kakute iron pulls on stylized pine tree mounts. The top drawer features a large central lock with flying crane motif, while the lower drawers feature chrysanthemum locks. The sides of the tansu also have two handles for traveling.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 22" W x 27" D x 39" H

Japanese two section isho tansu (clothing chest) from the Sado Island area. Original dark reddish lacquer finish. With hand-forged iron hardware, decorative plating incised with motifs of cranes and turtles with many tails, both symbols of longevity. The lower unit holds a corner safe box with two small drawers concealed inside.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 41" L x 16" D x 41" H

A massive Japanese solid Keyaki (elm) hardwood Kannon Biraki merchant's chest. Decorated with hand-forged iron plating, the motifs seen throughout the piece's hardware include the image of Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Fortune, proudly holding up a freshly caught fish, a large Mokko (melon) shaped lock on the front pair of doors, with flowers and pine trees adorning the drawer below in the form of its lock and handle plates...

Antique Japanese tall cha tansu with an open shelf for the display of seasonal and personal decor. The 2 sets of Keyaki (Zelkova)) burl wood front sliding panels and the beautiful wood grained Akita Sugi (Cryptomeria from Akita prefecture) sliding panels below highlight this attractive chest with Hinoki (Cypress) wood making up the frame and balance.

Most likely custom built and commissioned by a wealthy family making this an unusual and unique chest...

Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest) made with Keyaki (elm) burl front hardwood and hand-forged iron hardware and plating. The merchant's chest holds two drawers over a sliding pair of panel doors with open compartment inside. Below this are seven small and two large drawers, each with "warabite" shaped pulls and decorative iron corner hardware. The original finish compliments the dramatic, natural burl grain...

Antique Japanese small tansu chest made of kiri (paulownia) wood. It has six drawers of various sizes and a compartment with a small shelf covered by two sliding panels. Hardware is made of iron and includes warabite shaped drawer pulls, round lock plates, corner bracing and side handles.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 18 1/2" high x 23 1/4" wide x 11 1/4" deep.

An unusual vintage Japanese Choa tansu with Keyaki burl front hardwood panels. The chest is decorated with highly ornate floral motifs and filigree seen through the iron plating and hardware. Each drawer and compartment has a black lacquered interior. The tansu has side handles for transport. dates from Showa c1950

Dimensions: 21 1/2" x 13" x 31" H

Antique Japanese small tansu chest made all of kiri (paulownia) wood. The chest is configured with seven drawers of various sizes: 3 small drawers above 2 medium drawers above 2 large drawers. Black iron hardware includes 7 round lock plates, circular corner bracing and square drawer pulls.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 23 1/4" high x 27" wide x 13" deep.

Japanese gifu choba tansu made with Hinoki and Sugi wood and hand-forged iron hardware including Hirute drawer pulls and plating. The sliding panels with slats open to a spacious interior. The bottom of the chest holds two drawers recessed behind a locking bar, and a safe door with two small drawers inside. Original finish.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 35" L x 16 1/2" D x 37 1/4" H

Japanese ko tansu (personal chest) with two sliding doors opening to a compartment on top, five smaller drawers, and a sixth drawer extending along the bottom. Two side carrying handles. Pawlonia (kiri) wood with black iron hardware. Late Meiji to early Taisho Period (circa 1900 - 1920). 26 1/8" wide x 24 3/8" high x 13" deep. Very good solid overall condition. There are a few old repairs to the right sliding door, which is a bit difficult to slide open...

Japanese isho tansu, or clothing chest of drawers, constructed with Persimmon wood front drawers and a Sugi (cedar) frame and interior. The tansu holds four long drawers with metal pulls and round keyholes with floral plating. The sides of the piece are built with handles to carry and transport the tansu. Original condition with kanji inscription on backside of chest.

Taisho period (1912-1925)

Dimensions: 33 1/2" x 16 1/2" x 34" H

Japanese isho tansu, or clothing chest of drawers, constructed with Persimmon wood front drawers and a Sugi (cedar) frame and interior. The tansu holds four long drawers with metal pulls and round keyholes with floral plating. The sides of the piece are built with handles to carry and transport the tansu. Original condition with kanji inscription on backside of chest.

Taisho period (1912-1925)

Japanese two section clothing tansu, constructed with natural finish Kiri (paulownia) wood. Original condition. The four drawers with classic design of round iron hand-forged locks and pair of warabite drawer pulls, iron corner hardware and side handles.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 36 3/4" L x 16 1/2" D x 40 1/2" H

Japanese large half section Mizuya, or kitchen buffet tansu, constructed of Hinoki wood frame and Sugi wood panels. The large pair of sliding doors open to the spacious interior with two removable shelves straight across. The sides of the chest have horizontal bracing slats for reinforcement.

Dimensions: 69 1/4" x 19 1/2" x 35 1/2" H

Japanese hardwood platform shelf for a tokonoma, a recessed art display area for a traditional tea ceremony room. Made with bold Keyaki (elm) hardwood with original dark lacquer finish. Original condition.

Dimensions: 54" L x 18" D x 9" H

Japanese half section Mizuya or kitchen buffet tansu. Constructed of Hinoki (cypress) and Sugi (cedar) wood. The piece opens by two large front sliding panels to the large interior with 2 recessed shelves. The sides of the chest have horizontal bracing slats for reinforcement.

Dimensions: 69 1/4" L x 19 1/2" D x 32 1/4" H

Japanese hardwood tobacco ban (smoking box) or ladies vanity box with carrying handle. The lid is inlaid with shell and enamel coins and birds, with an animal and wire finial. The middle hardwood divider lifts away to allow access to the lowest sections with four compartment.

Circa 1920s

Dimensions: 8 1/4" x 6" x 8 1/2" High

Antique Japanese 2 section isho tansu (clothing chest) constructed of Kiri (paulownia) and Sugi (cedar) wood. With hand-forged iron lock plates, hardware, and handles. The upper section of the piece holds two open compartments side by side, and five shallow drawers of various size. One side of the chest has a lift-away door and the other with pair of sliding door panels framed with shou sugi ban panels...