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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
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Shop for Antique Tansu Chest on 1stDibs
A 19th Century Japanese Tansu Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
Japan, circa 1860
A mid nineteenth century Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, in kiri wood, opening
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Pine
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
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
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
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
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
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
