TANSU: ALL CHESTS

Straddling a line between furniture and folk art, tansu is the term given to the antique cabinetry of Japan made principally between 1860 and 1910, the bulk of the Meiji period. Developed from the Japanese need for storage that would not clutter their small living spaces, most tansu are portable chests made to be kept in storage lofts or kuras (fireproof storehouses). A dramatic combination of utility and beauty, each piece carries a unique history. Its careful construction conveys the region of origin, intended use, its owner's status, wealth, and often profession. From samurai sword chests to merchants' sea chests, from inventory chests to kimono chests, from mizuya (kitchen tansu) to cha-do (tea tansu), tansu dominated Japanese furniture design until western influences swept Japan at the beginning of the 20th Century.
Merchant's Scale Japanese Antique Furniture Storage

Merchant's Scale Japanese Antique Furniture Storage

$2,800.00
4' Mizyuya with Keyaki Face In Two Sections

4' Mizyuya with Keyaki Face In Two Sections

$4,500.00
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Japanese Antique (Late 19th Century) 6' Futon Chest | Large Chest, Cabinet, Storage, Furniture

Japanese Antique (Late 19th Century) 6' Futon Chest | Large Chest, Cabinet, Storage, Furniture

$7,200.00
Front Angle View | Japanese Antique (Meiji Era) Mizuya from Kyoto | Kitchen Chest, Cabinet, Storage, Furniture | 4' Width, 2 Section | Sugi (Japanese cedar), Keyaki (Japanese elm), Cast Iron

Japanese Antique (Meiji Era) Mizuya from Kyoto | Kitchen Chest, Cabinet, Storage, Furniture | 4' Width, 2 Section | Sugi (Japanese cedar), Keyaki (Japanese elm), Cast Iron

$5,200.00
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Cha Dansu Japanese Antique Furniture

Cha Dansu Japanese Antique Furniture

$1,350.00
Keyaki Naga Hibachi Kansai Japanese Antique Brazier Table

Keyaki Naga Hibachi Kansai Japanese Antique Brazier Coffee Table

$2,100.00
Kansai Merchant Chest Japanese Antique Furniture Cabinet

Kansai Merchant Chest Japanese Antique Furniture Cabinet

$4,800.00
Lacquered Box with Crests Japanese Antique Storage Box

Lacquered Box with Crests Japanese Antique Storage Box

$1,150.00
Zabuton Box Japanese Antique Furniture Storage

Zabuton Box Japanese Antique Furniture Storage

$350.00
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Fine Edo Era Choba Funa Dansu Chest Storage Japanese Antique Furniture Iron Hardware

Fine Edo Era Choba Funa Dansu Chest Storage Japanese Antique Furniture Iron Hardware

$29,000.00
Funa Dansu Japanese Antique Furniture Iron Hardware

Funa Dansu Chest Storage Japanese Antique Furniture Iron Hardware

$18,500.00
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Mae Bako Ships Chest Japanese Antique Furniture Writing Box Storage

Mae Bako Ships Chest Japanese Antique Furniture Writing Box Storage

$3,250.00