About the Item

This piece is a Japanese sliding door cabinet crafted during the late Meiji to early Taisho period. It is constructed from cedar wood, a material deeply rooted in Japanese architecture and everyday life, known for its lightness and natural warmth. Its restrained rectangular form and low, grounded proportions bring a sense of quiet stability and composure to a space. Free from excessive ornamentation, the cabinet reflects the balance between practicality and refined aesthetics that defined Japanese domestic culture of the time. The exterior is finished in a deep, subdued black tone. Subtle variations formed through long years of use and the gentle passage of time create a quiet visual depth. As light moves across the surface, soft expressions of grain and shadow emerge, revealing the layered history embedded within the cedar. When the sliding doors are opened, the interior reveals a warmer, natural wood surface. This contrast between exterior and interior is a characteristic feature of Japanese furniture. While the outer appearance remains composed and restrained, the interior retains the soft and natural presence of the material, experienced only by the user. The interior is divided into multiple compartments, allowing for practical and flexible organization. Upper compartment (inside dimensions): W 710 D 285 H 450 mm (Approx. W 27.9 D 11.2 H 17.7 inches) Middle drawer (inside dimensions): W 315 D 280 H 115 mm (Approx. W 12.4 D 11.0 H 4.5 inches) Lower drawer (inside dimensions): W 690 D 280 H 115 mm (Approx. W 27.1 D 11.0 H 4.5 inches) The construction is straightforward yet highly functional. Shelving and structural elements are arranged with clarity, allowing the cabinet to naturally serve as storage for everyday objects, vessels, or books. At the same time, its simplicity lends it a quiet sculptural presence beyond its utilitarian role. Embedded within this work is a distinctly Japanese sensibility that finds beauty in impermanence and restraint. Rather than relying on decoration or artificial refinement, the piece emphasizes stillness, balance, and negative space, subtly enhancing the atmosphere of a room. For centuries, Japanese culture has created and passed down everyday tools using locally available natural materials in harmony with nature. Objects that have been used over long periods quietly absorb human touch and the passage of time, reflecting the values and lifestyle of the land. In today’s world shaped by mass production and consumption, this cabinet invites reflection on durability, reuse, and the value of thoughtful craftsmanship. Within a modern interior, it functions not only as storage but also as a quiet architectural element. It can anchor a wall, support objects and artworks, or serve as a subtle focal point within a space. Guided by these principles, we carefully curate Japanese antiques and folk objects that embody time, stillness, and an inner strength shaped by use and history. ※Notice Please note that shipping rates displayed on 1stDibs may vary depending on the destination and shipping conditions, and in some cases may appear higher than the actual shipping cost. For this reason, we are also happy to review shipping options separately and provide the most suitable shipping quotation possible. If you are interested in this piece, please feel free to contact us anytime for a customized shipping quote.

Dimensions:
Height: 32.29 in (82 cm)Width: 31.3 in (79.5 cm)Depth: 13.78 in (35 cm)
Style:
Meiji (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Bamboo,Cedar,Wood,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: LU5487250254222

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Wabi Sabi Black Tansu 1860s-1900s / Chests Cabinet

About the Item

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