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Japanese Large Black Tansu Circa 1860's / Cabinet Wabi-Sabi

$4,169.59

£3,056.66

€3,500

CA$5,743.40

A$5,817.76

CHF 3,340.44

MX$70,538.56

NOK 38,761.46

SEK 39,454.71

DKK 26,689.52

About the Item

This large Japanese tansu was crafted in the early 1900s and reflects a restrained yet powerful approach to utilitarian furniture. Made from solid cedar wood, the piece combines structural lightness with a warm, organic grain that has deepened beautifully through decades of use and quiet aging. The exterior is finished in a subdued black, presenting a calm and monolithic presence. When the sliding doors are opened, the untreated cedar interior is revealed, creating a clear contrast between exterior and interior. This relationship reflects a fundamental principle of traditional Japanese furniture: function before ornament, and visual restraint shaped by necessity. The composition of sliding doors and drawers offers practical storage while maintaining a strong sense of proportion, horizontality, and negative space. Rather than asserting itself, the piece settles quietly into its surroundings, contributing balance and depth to the space it inhabits. Subtle abrasions, tonal variations, and traces of wear remain across the surface. These are not flaws, but accumulated evidence of time, use, and human presence. Through the darkened finish, the underlying character of the wood gently emerges, evoking the Japanese sensibility of wabi sabi, an appreciation of impermanence, imperfection, and quiet beauty. Since ancient times, Japanese culture has relied on familiar natural materials to create the tools necessary for daily life, passing them down through generations and cultivating a way of living in harmony with nature. Objects used over long periods absorb gestures, time, and atmosphere, ultimately reflecting the values of the land and the lives once shaped around them. In an age defined by mass production and disposable consumption, this piece quietly invites reflection on durability, reuse, and thoughtful craftsmanship. It stands as a reminder of a slower, more deliberate relationship with objects, one rooted in respect for materials and time. In contemporary interiors, this tansu functions not only as storage, but also as an architectural element or sculptural presence, suitable for residential spaces, galleries, or carefully curated environments. It is a versatile piece that enhances the quality of a space without imposing itself. Guided by this philosophy, we carefully curate Japanese antiques and utilitarian objects that embody time, restraint, and quiet strength. Dimensions: W1560 x D460 x H1100 mm Material: Cedar

Dimensions:
Height: 43.31 in (110 cm)Width: 61.62 in (156.5 cm)Depth: 18.12 in (46 cm)
Style:
Meiji (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Cedar,Woodwork
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1900's
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Sammu-shi, JP
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5487248081482

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