Form follows function was coined in the 19th century, but the Japanese mastered the concept centuries earlier. The tansu developed in the 17th century, these portable cabinets are believed to have originally stored food but subsequently were used to hold everything from paperwork to clothing. Tansu cabinets come in a variety of configurations, each unique with drawers and cabinets in multiple sizes, providing maximum storage flexibility. They’re also likely to feature iron hardware and be made of two types of wood: a “primary” wood such as beautifully figured and durable chestnut or elm on the exterior surfaces and cedar or pine for the interior.

This antique tansu dresser has 2 drawers with oversize metal lock plate in the center, rounded handles and metal strap corners.  This Japanese tansu chest and warm wax natural patina and sits on a new custom fitted iron stand.