Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is a Tansu chest?
1 Answer
Tansu refers to Japanese portable storage chests. When tansu became a well-known feature of life in Japan — the chests’ emergence is said to be rooted in the Genroku era of the Edo period (1688–1704) — the country’s traditionally minimalist households had little to no proper seats, tables, or other pieces of furniture. Tansu were intended to be multipurpose cabinets. These case pieces were used to store things of everyday utility, such as clothing and various personal items. Tansu are regarded as collectible furniture with a timeless appeal. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary Tansu from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
Related Questions
- What is a step Tansu?1 Answer
- What is a Bombay chest?1 Answer
- What is a door chest?1 Answer
- What is a chest of drawers called?1 Answer
- How much is an old chest worth?1 Answer
Shop for Antique Tansu Chest on 1stDibs
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1870s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912).
Category
Antique 1870s Japanese Japonisme Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1870s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912).
Category
Antique 1870s Japanese Japonisme Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1870s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912).
Category
Antique 1870s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1870s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912).
Category
Antique 1870s Japanese Japonisme Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1870s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912).
Category
Antique 1870s Japanese Japonisme Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Taishō Period Early 20th Century Tansu Chest with Five Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Taisho period antique tansu chest from the early 20th century with five drawers and iron hardware.
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
