About the Item

This is a Japanese antique drawer chest, believed to date from the late Edo period to the early Meiji period, circa 1800s to 1900s. Constructed from solid wood, this piece has a strong and practical structure, with a deep black surface that has developed naturally over many years. The surface shows areas of wear, small scratches, rubbed edges, and exposed wood, all of which speak to the long life this chest has lived. Rather than appearing simply old, the piece carries a sense of time, use, and history. Within the dark black patina, reddish brown areas of the original wood can be seen, giving the chest a quiet yet powerful presence. The front is composed of eight drawers of various sizes, each fitted with iron hardware. The upper section has three smaller drawers, while the middle and lower sections include larger drawers, allowing different objects to be stored according to size and use. The arrangement is both practical and visually balanced, creating a rhythmic composition that reflects the simple and refined beauty of traditional Japanese furniture. Pieces of this nature were likely used to store small tools, documents, medicines, or everyday items. The multiple drawers allowed the owner to organize objects carefully and efficiently, reflecting the highly practical and orderly approach often found in traditional Japanese interiors. The reddish brown marks on the drawer fronts are traces of old paper labels that were once attached to the surface. The previous owner likely used these labels to indicate what was stored inside each drawer. Over many years, the chest was used in a traditional Japanese interior and was naturally darkened by smoke from an irori hearth. The tannins in the wood reacted with the soot, gradually creating the deep black patina visible today. Because the paper labels covered certain areas of the drawer fronts, the wood underneath was protected from smoke and oxidation. As a result, those covered areas remained reddish brown, while the surrounding surface became darker over time. These marks were not artificially added later as decoration. They are natural traces formed through long use, and I personally feel that they are an important part of the history and character of this piece. The overall dimensions are W 905 mm, D 340 mm, H 700 mm. Although relatively compact in size, the chest offers practical storage with its multiple drawers. Its shallow depth makes it easy to place in a variety of interiors, including an entryway, hallway, study, living room, or bedroom. It can function as a useful storage cabinet while also adding depth and atmosphere to the space. The construction is simple yet highly functional, showing the rational beauty of old Japanese furniture. Each drawer is in usable condition, and the piece has been carefully cleaned and maintained. It has not been over-restored or repainted to make it look new. Instead, its original character, surface texture, and age-related patina have been preserved with care. This chest embodies the spirit of wabi sabi, where beauty is found in imperfection, wear, change, and the passage of time. The scratches, worn edges, uneven tones, and traces of old labels are not flaws, but records of the life of the object. By allowing its age to remain visible, the piece transforms time itself into a visual and tactile element. In a contemporary interior, this chest can be appreciated not only as a storage piece but also as a sculptural object with a quiet architectural presence. In a minimal space, it can serve as a strong focal point. In a room with natural materials, it brings warmth, texture, and a sense of calm. Displaying ceramics, books, flowers, or art objects on top of the chest can further enhance its character. Carefully sourced in Japan, this is a unique, one-of-a-kind antique piece with history and presence. The deep black patina, simple iron fittings, and reddish traces of old paper labels come together to create a drawer chest with a distinctive character that cannot be reproduced.

Dimensions:
Height: 27.56 in (70 cm)Width: 35.63 in (90.5 cm)Depth: 13.39 in (34 cm)
Style:
Meiji (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Cedar,Iron,Wood,Metalwork,Woodwork
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1860s-1900s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
Seller Location:
Sammu-shi, JP
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5487251052612

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Tansu Drawer Chest Edo Meiji Small Drawers Wabi Sabi Cabinet

About the Item

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