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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
Early Meiji Period Japanese Tansu/Chest Of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A late 19th C. Japanese Tansu/Chest Of Drawers Of Small proportions.
Constructed in cedar with seven individual paper lined drawers and original iron hardware.
Category
Antique 1870s 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. Crafted during the late Meiji era (1868–1912), this piece exudes authenticity and character.
Category
Antique 1870s Japonisme Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1890
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1890s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912).
Category
Antique 1890s Japanese Japonisme Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1890
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1890s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912).
Category
Antique 1890s 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 Japonisme Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
