19th Century Wood & Metal Japanese Cabinet

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 cabinet has five drawers on different sizes, one door with 2 small drawers inside, and a large open shelve compartment. This Japanese chest retains all its original handles and metal accents, it has two side handles and has a dark fruitwood wax finish.

• *Era: Antique
• *Material: Wood/Iron
• *Size: 30"(L) x 12.5“(D) x 24.5"(H)
• *Color: Fruitwood
• *Condition: Wear consistent with age & use, blemishes and imperfections will be present. These are not to be consider defects but rather part of its character & historical value.

Found in Kyoto

• **Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio lighting.