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Japanese Antique Large Tansu 1860s-1920s / Sideboard Cabinet Wabisabi

$3,800
£2,852.13
€3,328.07
CA$5,368.64
A$5,382.47
CHF 3,119.10
MX$65,769.55
NOK 36,145.96
SEK 36,911.08
DKK 24,876.35

About the Item

This is a large antique Japanese Tansu distinguished by its broad, stable proportions and its remarkably quiet presence, achieved through an almost complete absence of ornamentation. Rather than dominating a room, it introduces a sense of balance, refinement, and understated elegance, becoming a calm visual anchor within the space. The cabinet is believed to date from the Meiji to Taishō Period (circa 1868–1926). It is crafted from Japanese cedar (sugi), a wood appreciated for its light weight, durability, and natural warmth. Although relatively light in construction, it possesses the quiet strength that comes only from having endured well over a century. Its composition is exceptionally simple, defined by a pair of large sliding doors and clean, linear framing. Stripped of unnecessary decoration, the design beautifully expresses the timeless simplicity that is characteristic of traditional Japanese furniture. The front displays a rich palette of deep brown tones complemented by the gentle, flowing grain unique to cedar. The softened wear, small marks, and subtle variations in color have developed naturally through decades of everyday use. Over the years, the cabinet has also been thoughtfully repaired and carefully maintained whenever necessary, reflecting the care and respect of those who preserved it through generations. Unlike newly manufactured furniture with perfectly uniform surfaces, the true beauty of this Tansu lies in the accumulation of time itself. It quietly embodies the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in age, imperfection, and the graceful passage of time. Inside, the cabinet is divided into upper and lower storage compartments with shelves, providing generous storage capacity for clothing, linens, books, tableware, or collections. In contemporary interiors, it also serves beautifully as a sideboard, console cabinet, or low storage cabinet. Both sliding doors operate smoothly, making it not only an exceptional decorative piece but also a practical cabinet for everyday use. The cabinet has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized while carefully preserving the authentic character and patina that only an antique can possess. It is ready to be incorporated seamlessly into a modern living space without compromising its historical integrity. The cabinet will be carefully packed and shipped safely from Japan. Weight: Approximately 45 kg
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 35.63 in (90.5 cm)Width: 53.75 in (136.5 cm)Depth: 17.72 in (45 cm)
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Cedar,Woodwork
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1860s-1920s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chōsei District Nagara, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10403251120402

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