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Japanese Antique Tansu Chest of Drawers, Late Meiji Era (1868–1912)

$2,000
£1,506.21
€1,759.90
CA$2,833.67
A$2,846.25
CHF 1,650.33
MX$34,727.18
NOK 19,099.09
SEK 19,596.66
DKK 13,155.95

About the Item

This Japanese antique chest of drawers was crafted in the Meiji Era (1868–1912). Made of sugi (Japanese cedar), the piece has a straightforward and honest material character, with a gentle grain and natural variations throughout. The surface shows traces of long use, with subtle wear and marks throughout. Traditional repairs, including small wood patches (umeki) visible along the edges and parts of the drawer fronts, reflect careful maintenance carried out in its earlier life. The edges and corners are gently worn and softened, with the overall form losing its sharpness—quietly revealing the passage of time through repeated use. The structure is simple and functional, with multiple drawers arranged in a clean grid, offering practical storage while maintaining a balanced and understated appearance. Rather than a refined art piece, this cabinet exists at the opposite end—an honest, utilitarian object shaped by everyday use. A piece that quietly embodies the spirit of wabi-sabi through its lived-in character. Condition Notes: - Structure is sound and stable with no structural issues - Surface shows age-related wear including scratches, abrasions, dents, and marks consistent with age and use - Cracks and splits are visible in places due to age - Filled and repaired areas (wood plugs) are present, particularly on the front edge of the top panel - Drawers open and close smoothly Cleaned and disinfected with a non-toxic solution. As an authentic Late Meiji–period piece (1868–1912), this chest shows natural signs of age inherent to Japanese antique furniture. Characteristics such as surface wear, cracks, dents, and repaired areas are reflections of its history and authenticity, not defects. Please review all photos carefully—condition details are visible in the images—and feel free to contact us with any questions before purchasing. Interior dimensions: W: 10.0" × D: 12.4" × H: 6.7" (25.5 × 31.5 × 17 cm) Weight: 55.1 lbs (25 kg) Shipping Information: We ship from Japan. I will provide my own shipping quote. Please ask. Import duties, taxes, and customs fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Approach to Selection and Restoration: Each piece is individually selected through our own eye, then restored to reveal its most compelling state. Movement, stability, and surface are considered as one—shaped through practice to be lived with naturally, honoring the wood’s natural patina while avoiding environmentally harsh chemical strippers or forceful abrasion.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 33.04 in (83.9 cm)Width: 35.63 in (90.5 cm)Depth: 14.06 in (35.7 cm)
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Cedar,Iron,Woodwork
  • Place of Origin:
    Japan
  • Period:
    Early 20th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1900
  • Condition:
    Repaired: There are signs of traditional wood patch (umeki) repairs carried out at some point in the past. The exact timing and craftsperson are unknown. Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. As an authentic Late Meiji–period piece, this chest shows natural age-appropriate wear. It remains structurally sound, and all drawers operate smoothly for everyday use.
  • Seller Location:
    Hitachiomiya-shi, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU7430249421912

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