Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16

Japanese Antique Black Drawer Chest 1860s-1920s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi Sabi

$1,900
£1,420.23
€1,657.21
CA$2,667.99
A$2,713.91
CHF 1,549.68
MX$32,826.18
NOK 18,070.07
SEK 18,346.94
DKK 12,388.87

About the Item

This is an antique Japanese black lacquer chest of drawers distinguished by its refined vertical proportions and deep, understated black finish. The orderly arrangement of four generously sized drawers creates a composition that feels both powerful and serene. Restrained in decoration yet commanding in presence, this piece brings a quiet sense of balance and sophistication to any interior. It is believed to date from the Meiji to Taisho period (circa 1868–1926). Crafted from Japanese cedar (sugi), the surface is finished in traditional black lacquer. The drawer pulls, side carrying handles, and protective corner fittings are all made of iron, providing a subtle contrast to the rich black finish while emphasizing the cabinet's robust construction. The design is remarkably simple and timeless. Four drawers of equal width are stacked in perfect horizontal alignment, while the semicircular iron pulls on either side establish a calm visual rhythm. Free from unnecessary ornamentation, the cabinet beautifully expresses the simplicity and restrained elegance that define traditional Japanese furniture. Decades of careful use have given the black lacquer a remarkable depth and character. Fine scratches, gentle abrasions, and subtle variations in sheen have developed naturally over time. Although the front appears almost entirely black at first glance, changing light reveals delicate traces of hand craftsmanship beneath the surface, creating an appearance reminiscent of a quiet abstract painting. These irregular textures and the evidence of repeated care speak eloquently of a piece that has been valued and preserved through generations. Each of the four drawers offers generous storage capacity, making the cabinet ideal for clothing, documents, textiles, or everyday household items. All drawers operate smoothly, allowing the piece to remain fully practical despite its age. It functions beautifully as a storage cabinet, sideboard, entrance console, bedroom chest, or display cabinet in a gallery or retail setting. The spacious top provides an ideal platform for displaying ceramics, wooden sculptures, ikebana vessels, art books, or other carefully curated decorative objects. The cabinet has been thoroughly cleaned and is ready for immediate use. There is no evidence of active woodworm, and it remains in excellent condition considering its age. More than simply a functional piece of furniture, it embodies the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi—an appreciation for the beauty found in age, imperfection, and the quiet passage of time. The piece will be carefully packed and shipped safely from Japan. Weight: Approximately 30 kg
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 34.85 in (88.5 cm)Width: 34.06 in (86.5 cm)Depth: 16.15 in (41 cm)
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Cedar,Iron,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: LU10403251189442

More From This Seller

View All
Japanese Antique Black Drawer Chest 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi Sabi

Japanese Antique Black Drawer Chest 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi Sabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is an old Japanese black drawer cabinet. Quietly standing in space, it brings a deep sense of balance and quiet tension without ever appearing overly assertive. It is believed ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Black Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi

Japanese Antique Black Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is an old drawer storage made in Japan. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is a valuable antique piece of furniture filled with Japanese craftsmanship. The ma...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Edo Period Japanese Black Drawer Chest 1800s-1860s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi-Sabi

Edo Period Japanese Black Drawer Chest 1800s-1860s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi-Sabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is an antique Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, handcrafted during the Edo period (circa 1800s–1860s). Distinguished by its orderly arrangement of fourteen drawers in varying siz...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Edo Period Japanese Large Drawer Chest 1800s-1860s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi

Edo Period Japanese Large Drawer Chest 1800s-1860s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is a large antique Japanese chest of drawers, crafted during the Edo period (circa 1800s–1860s). At first glance, the piece conveys an unmistakable sense of solidity, strength, ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Massive Drawer Chest 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi

Japanese Antique Massive Drawer Chest 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is a huge old Japanese-made drawer storage. The furniture was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is made of cedar wood with rustic and practical iron hardware on the...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Low Board 1860s-1920s / Drawer Chest Nightstand Wabi-Sabi

Japanese Antique Low Board 1860s-1920s / Drawer Chest Nightstand Wabi-Sabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is an antique Japanese lowboard with four drawers, dating from the Meiji to Taisho period (circa 1868–1926). Originally crafted as a practical piece of everyday furniture, its r...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

You May Also Like

19th C Edo Japanese Antique Mid-Size Black Mizuya Tansu Chest with 4 Drawers

19th C Edo Japanese Antique Mid-Size Black Mizuya Tansu Chest with 4 Drawers

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

This tansu chest of drawers is made entirely from thick, high-quality solid sugi cedar boards. It is estimated to date from late Edo period, circa 1820s–1850s based on its tradition...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Cedar

1860s-1920s Japanese antique Black urushi Tansu chest of drawers wabi sabi

1860s-1920s Japanese antique Black urushi Tansu chest of drawers wabi sabi

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

Antique mid-size tansu with 4 drawers - product of Meiji to Taisho period (estimate 1868-1926). Made with traditional woodworking jointly without metal fastener. Finished with blac...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar, Wood

19th C Meiji Japanese Antique Black Tansu Chest with 6 Drawers

19th C Meiji Japanese Antique Black Tansu Chest with 6 Drawers

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

This tansu chest of drawers is made entirely from thick, high-quality solid sugi cedar boards. It is estimated to date from Meiji period, circa 1860s–1900s based on its traditional ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Japanese Antique Tansu Chest of Drawers, Early Meiji Era ‘1868–1912’, Wabi Sabi

Japanese Antique Tansu Chest of Drawers, Early Meiji Era ‘1868–1912’, Wabi Sabi

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

This Japanese antique chest of drawers was crafted in the Early Meiji Era (1868–1912). The form is simple and unadorned, reflecting its origins as a practical storage piece. A nota...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Chests of Drawers 1860s-1900s /Tansu, Wabi-Sabi

Japanese Antique Chests of Drawers 1860s-1900s /Tansu, Wabi-Sabi

Located in Katori-Shi, 12

This small drawer was produced in the Taisho period. This chest is made of sturdy cedar with a lacquer finish, with a base panel made of lightweight paulownia wood and an iron handl...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Small Chest of Drawers, Keio Era (Edo Period, 1867), Wabi Sabi

Japanese Antique Small Chest of Drawers, Keio Era (Edo Period, 1867), Wabi Sabi

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

This antique small chest of drawers was crafted in the Keio Era (1867). Made from Japanese cedar and finished with traditional Japanese lacquer (urushi), the surface has developed a...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar