Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MEIJI STYLE
From 1868 to 1912, Emperor Mutsuhito oversaw an era of transformation in Japan. Formerly a country of feudalism and isolation, Japan entered an age of modernization influenced by newly established trade and exchange with the West. The Meiji period, or period of “enlightened rule,” also saw the global impact of the East Asian country’s culture. Japanese Meiji furniture was exhibited at expositions from Paris to San Francisco and created for export.
Prior to the Meiji era, furniture was mostly made by commission for the ruling class; now there were new domestic and international markets. European styles like Japonisme appropriated Japanese design while craftsmen in places like Wales and England employed japanning, a varnishing technique that approximated the appearance of lacquer for the surfaces of furnishings.
Meiji furniture made for Japanese homes and buildings constructed in Western styles resulted in taller tables, chairs, cabinets with large drawers and other features. The government invested in areas such as transportation and communication, and because people could freely choose occupations after the restrictions of feudalism, industries of various types were energized by expressive new ideas during those years. Art schools were formed and, for the first time, design was an area of study in the country, leading to the evolution of professional design as a career by the 1890s.
The work of Japanese designers was transmitted widely through lavishly illustrated pattern books that included designs for screens and lacquerware for the home. While screens today may be of use as decorative accents or partitions to ensure privacy in one’s space, Japanese screens were adorned with paintings and were featured in performing arts such as concerts, tea ceremonies and more. The color illustrations that characterize Meiji woodblock prints, a genre of Japanese art that grew out of 17th-century developments in printing and book publishing, depicted the sweeping changes that the era brought to East Asia.
Although it was a time of societal and cultural shifts, a bolstered interest in art and design elevated Japanese craft traditions. From colorful porcelain table lamps with silk shades and hardwood tables decorated with dark lacquer to cabinets featuring iron hardware and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, Meiji furniture showcased Japan’s artistic heritage to the world.
Find a collection of antique Japanese Meiji period case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Meiji
Japanese Antique Wabisabi Drawer 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Storage Tansu Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a very old Japanese drawer.
It was built from the late Edo period to the Meiji period (1820-1912).
It is furniture that was used in shops rather than being used in ordinary hom...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Black Wooden Drawer / Small Low Desk / 1868-1920 / Chest
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a wooden drawer made in Japan around the Meiji and Taisho periods (1868-1920).
It would also have been used as a low desk. In modern times, it could be used very beautifully ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Wabi Sabi Black Drawer 1860s-1900s
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese drawer.
This furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of cedar wood.
The round handles are made of iron.
These drawers are tasteful, rustic, si...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old drawer storage made in Japan.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
Material is cedar. The handles are made of iron.
The design is simple and lean.
It is th...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese antique wooden wabisabi drawer/1868-1920/MINGEI/Meiji-Taisho
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
I would like to introduce you to a rare Japanese wooden drawer that gives you a wabi-sabi feel.
This is a medicine shop drawer built from the Meiji period to the Taisho period (aroun...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese antique wooden drawer/1868-1920/Wabi-Sabi "tansu" drawer
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old wooden drawer made from the Meiji period to the Taisho period (1868-1920) in Japan.
This was originally a drawer for storing Chinese medicine, etc., and was used in dr...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese antique wooden drawer/1868-1920/Wabi-Sabi bedside chest/meiji-taisho
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese wooden drawer.
A drawer used in shops to store documents, etc.
It is thought to have been used from the Meiji period to the Taisho period (1868-1920).
The...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Drawer / Storage / Meiji Period WabiSabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old wooden drawer in Japan.
It seems to be around the Meiji period.
The material is cedar, and the handle is equipped with a strong iron object at that time.
It seems t...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Japanese Antique Black Drawer / Storage / Meiji Period WabiSabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old wooden drawer in Japan.
It seems to be around the Meiji period.
Cedar is used as the material.
Each drawer of different sizes can store various things.
There is a wo...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Japanese Antique Black Drawer / Storage / Meiji Period WabiSabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old wooden drawer in Japan.
It seems to be around the Meiji period.
Cedar is used as a material.
Each drawer in 7 different sizes can store a variety of things.
There are ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Japanese Antique Black Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer.
This furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of cedar wood.
The drawer is tasteful, rustic, simple and beautiful.
There is no wa...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Medicine Chest 1860s-1920s/Drawer Storage Wabisabi Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
An old Japanese medicine chest.
It is a furniture of Meiji era (1860s-1920s).
The materials used are mainly chestnut and cedar wood.
The grain...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Chestnut, Cedar
Japanese Antique Large Drawer 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old large drawer storage made in Japan.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
Material is cedar. The handles are made of iron.
The design is simple and lean.
It...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Small Drawer / Cabinet Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer.
It was made in the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of cedar wood.
The handles are made of iron.
This drawer is rustic, simple and beautiful.
T...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Black Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese black drawer storage.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
Material is cedar wood.
The handles are made of iron.
The design is simple and lean.
I...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Wabisabi Drawer 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Storage Tansu Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a very old Japanese drawer.
It was built from the late Edo period to the Meiji period (1820-1912).
It is furniture that was used in shops rather than being used in ordinary hom...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Wabi-Sabi Meiji Period Tansu Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
An unusually deep & heavy Meiji period tansu chest constructed from patinated stained elm timber with forged iron hardware. Two small hidden ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Tansu 1860s-1900s / Chest of Drawer Cabinet Wabisabi Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese drawer.
The furniture dates from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of paulownia wood, a high quality material.
These drawers are rustic, simple and be...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Meiji Period 19th Century Sendai Type Tansu Chest with Drawers and Safe
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period Sendai type tansu chest from the 19th century with ornate iron hardware, six exterior drawers and safe. Discover the intricate beauty and functional elegance ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Wabi Sabi Small Drawer 1860s-1900s
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer.
This furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of cedar wood.
The round handles are made of iron.
These drawers are tasteful, rust...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Wabi Sabi Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Cabinet Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese drawer storage.
It dates from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of cedar wood.
The design is simple and lean.
It is the ultimate in simplicity and is a very beautiful piece of furniture.
The storage compartment in the upper storage area was used to store old documents...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese antique, black small drawer box, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This small drawer is a valuable antique from the Meiji period of Japan. (1868-1912)
It is made of high-quality "Kiri wood"(paulownia wood) and is coated with a deep black paint, acc...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Wabi Sabi Tansu 1860s-1900s / Storage Box Cabinet Sideboard
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese wheeled tansu.
The furniture was made in the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of cedar wood.
It was found in a village deep in the mountains of the Tohoku region.
This furniture was used as a rice chest...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Meiji Period 19th Century Tansu Chest with Sliding Chest and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
Japanese Meiji period Tansu clothing chest from the 19th century with two sliding doors, six drawers, iron hardware and custom finish. A captivating blend of tradition and artistry, ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Meiji 19th Century Cha Tansu Kiri Wood Tea Cabinet with Doors, Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period kiri wood cha tansu tea cabinet from the 19th century, with sliding doors, multiple drawers and brass hardware. Created in Japan during the Meiji period in the 19th century, this tansu chest is made of kiri wood (also known as Paulownia Tomentosa or Princess Tree), a Japanese wood commonly used for the creation of Tansus. It is a light-weight wood...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass, Iron
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s/Chest of Drawers Wabisabi Art
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is an old Japanese drawer.
It is an item of the Meiji era (1860s-1920s)
The material is cedar.
The shade of brown is beautiful and the taste is wonderful.
The drawer also ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Antique Merchant's Chest with Unique Drawers & Shelf
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period choba dansu merchant's chest from the 19th century with sliding doors, eight drawers, side door opening to two additional drawers and iron hardware. This 19th-century Japanese choba dansu merchant's chest, a quintessential piece from the Meiji period, exudes a remarkable harmony of style, practicality, and craftsmanship. Its rectangular top, well-proportioned façade, and rustic backside create a captivating aesthetic contrast, infusing a sense of antiquity and charm into your space.
The façade features a well-structured design with two small drawers gracing the upper section. The middle part is occupied by two sliding doors on the left, matched by a smaller drawer atop a side door on the right, revealing two additional drawers when opened. The lower section houses five orderly drawers, in a three-over-two formation, maximizing storage space while maintaining visual elegance.
A defining aspect of this chest is the ornate iron hardware, lending the piece a distinct aura of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The juxtaposition of this intricate hardware with the chest's rich wood creates a visually captivating interplay of textures, further enhancing its appeal.
The sides of the chest are adorned with recessed panels, a detail that adds depth and interest to the piece.
This Meiji period choba dansu chest stands as a testament to traditional Japanese woodworking...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Large 19th Century Antique Dresser Chest
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period Isho Dansu clothing chest from the 19th century with reddish brown lacquer, iron hardware, five drawers and a side door revealing tw...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Andrianna Shamaris Antique Wood Chest
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful antique chest with remnants of the original color. We only source the best.
This bench was sourced in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a J...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
Japanese Meiji Period 19th Century Isho Dansu Clothing Chest with Brown Lacquer
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period Isho Dansu clothing chest from the 19th century, with six drawers, iron hardware and professionally refreshed brown lacquer. Created...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Ogi Ishō, Dansu Japanese Two Pieces Tansu of Late Meiji Era
Located in Torino, IT
This early 20th century Japanese clothing chest from Sado Island produced in the late Meiji Era. It consists of two pieces decorated with very ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Antique Japanese Tansu Campaign Style Clothing Chest
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an antique Asian Tansu campaign style stacking clothing chest. It has a lacquered burnt orange finish and hand forged hardware with fish motif. This is a 19th century piece a...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Fine and Large Keyaki Wood Iron Mounted Tansu Chest with 8 Drawers
Located in San Francisco, CA
An outstanding Meiji period Japanese keyaki wood (elm) tansu of large size with 8 drawers, 3 large 2 medium and 3 small, and 2 cabinets with small interior drawers. The piece has iro...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Meiji Period Tansu Chest in the Sendai Dansu Style Made of Keyaki Wood
Located in Torino, IT
This 19th-century Japanese Tansu clothing chest produced in the Meiji period is made of Japanese cedar wood (cryptomeria Japonica) in its inner parts, while for the outer parts it is...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Pair of 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Dore Bronze Mounted Lacquered Chests
Located in New York, NY
A Fine Pair of 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Dore Bronze Mounted Lacquered Chests/Trunks. Each chest is beautiful with a fine black lacquer which is heavily detailed and hand-p...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Meiji Zebra Wood Tansu Chest in Isho-Dansu Style with Five Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period single section tansu clothing chest from the late 19th century in Isho-dansu style, with zebra wood, five drawers and carrying handles. Created in Japan during the Meiji period in the later years of the 19th century, this wooden Isho-dansu clothing chest features a linear silhouette perfectly complimented by a dark zebra wood grain. The organized façade showcases five drawers (three large ones followed by two smaller ones at the bottom), each fitted with iron hardware made of C-scroll handles and a central lock. Tansus were portable chests...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Meiji Period Late 19th Century Isho-Dansu Chest with Iron Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period two-part tansu chest from the late 19th century with dark red lacquer, iron hardware, small safe and carrying handles. Created in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), this wooden chest called an Isho-Dansu chest is a fine example of Japan's traditional mobile cabinetry. Tansus were portable chests...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese 19th Century Meiji Period Brown and Black Tansu Clothing Chest
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period tansu clothing chest from the 19th century, with black and brown patina. Created in Japan during the 19th century, this tansu chest features a rectangular top sitting above seven drawers surrounding a side door hiding additional drawers. Boasting brown, black and dark red tones, the chest showcases lateral handles allowing the piece to be moved more easily. With its clean lines and complimenting colors, this 19th century Japanese Meiji tansu...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Storage Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese drawer storage.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1920s).
Material is oak wood.
The round handles are made of brass.
The design is simple and lean.
It ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Japanese Antique Wabisabi Drawer 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Storage Tansu Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a very old Japanese drawer.
From the late Edo period to the Meiji period (1820-1912).
It was used in shops rather than being used in ordinary homes.
It is painted black.
Made ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese drawer storage.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
The material is cedar.
The handles are made of iron.
The design is simple and lean.
It is a very beautiful piece of furniture with a uniquely Japanese rusticity...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Pair of 19th Century Japanese Choba Tansu on Custom Steel Stands
Located in Chicago, IL
Immerse your living space in timeless elegance with these transformed 19th century Japanese Choba Tansu chests. Crafted from exquisite pine and fi...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Steel, Iron
Meiji commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Meiji commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage commodes and chests of drawers created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, cedar and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji commodes and chests of drawers made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original commodes and chests of drawers, popular names associated with this style include and Andrianna Shamaris. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for commodes and chests of drawers differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $400 and tops out at $25,650 while the average work can sell for $1,500.
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