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Japanese Tansu Chest
Japanese Tansu Chest

Japanese Tansu Chest

Located in Greensboro, NC

Japanese Tansu Chest. Beautiful patina, very solidly built and in very good vintage condition

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Organic Modern Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Wood

19th Century Japanese Tansu Chest
19th Century Japanese Tansu Chest

19th Century Japanese Tansu Chest

Located in Winnetka, IL

This is a wonderful 19th century Japanese Laquer Tansu chest on a custom metal base Two drawers

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Metal

Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870

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

1870s Japanese Japonisme Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Iron

Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870

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

1870s Japanese Japonisme Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Iron

Japanese Taishō Period Early 20th Century Tansu Chest with Five Drawers
Japanese Taishō Period Early 20th Century Tansu Chest with Five Drawers

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 Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Wood

Japanese Tansu Chest / Storage, 1920s
Japanese Tansu Chest / Storage, 1920s

Japanese Tansu Chest / Storage, 1920s

By ACC Japan

Located in London, Lambeth

Beautiful patinated wooden small tansu from Japan. Tansu chests are very popular throughout Japan

Category

1920s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Cherry

Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1890
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1890

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

Category

1890s Japanese Japonisme Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Iron

Japanese Tansu Chest of Drawers, circa 1890
Japanese Tansu Chest of Drawers, circa 1890

Japanese Tansu Chest of Drawers, circa 1890

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1890s. Made during the late Meiji era (1868

Category

1890s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Iron

Japanese Wabi-Sabi Meiji Period Tansu Chest of Drawers
Japanese Wabi-Sabi Meiji Period Tansu Chest of Drawers

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

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Iron

Japanese Tansu Chest, Japan, Early 20th Century
Japanese Tansu Chest, Japan, Early 20th Century

Japanese Tansu Chest, Japan, Early 20th Century

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

A finely crafted Japanese tansu chest, composed of three separate stacking elements: a base plinth

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Antique Korean Tansu Chest
Early 20th Century Antique Korean Tansu Chest

Early 20th Century Antique Korean Tansu Chest

Located in Pittsburgh, PA

This Early 20th-Century Korean Tansu Chest is a stunning example of traditional craftsmanship

Category

Early 20th Century Korean Meiji Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Metal

Antique Early 1900s Meiji Period Japanese Tansu Chest
Antique Early 1900s Meiji Period Japanese Tansu Chest

Antique Early 1900s Meiji Period Japanese Tansu Chest

Located in Centennial, CO

A stunning antique Meiji period early 1900s Japanese Tansu chest with original hardware and working

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Iron

Antique Late 1800s Japanese Cedar Tansu Chest of Drawers Dresser
Antique Late 1800s Japanese Cedar Tansu Chest of Drawers Dresser

Antique Late 1800s Japanese Cedar Tansu Chest of Drawers Dresser

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Antique Late 1800s Japanese Cedar Tansu Chest of Drawers Dresser Country: Japan Materials

Category

1890s Japanese Baroque Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Iron

Miniature Japanese Taishō Period Zebra Wood Tansu Chest with Sliding Doors
Miniature Japanese Taishō Period Zebra Wood Tansu Chest with Sliding Doors

Miniature Japanese Taishō Period Zebra Wood Tansu Chest with Sliding Doors

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Japanese Taisho period zebra wood miniature tansu chest from the early 20th century, with sliding

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Zebra Wood

Antique Late 1800’s Japanese Cedar Tansu Chest of Drawers Dresser
Antique Late 1800’s Japanese Cedar Tansu Chest of Drawers Dresser

Antique Late 1800’s Japanese Cedar Tansu Chest of Drawers Dresser

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Antique Late 1800’s Japanese Cedar Tansu Chest of Drawers Dresser Country: Japan Materials: Wood

Category

1890s Japanese Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Iron

Antique Small Japanese Kiri Wood Tansu Chest on Stand, circa 1920s
Antique Small Japanese Kiri Wood Tansu Chest on Stand, circa 1920s

Antique Small Japanese Kiri Wood Tansu Chest on Stand, circa 1920s

Located in Norton, MA

Small Vintage Japanese Kiri Wood Tansu Chest on Stand, circa 1920s, having four drawers with brass

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Brass

Vintage Burl Mahogany Tansu Chest with Paper Antique Calligraphy Lining
Vintage Burl Mahogany Tansu Chest with Paper Antique Calligraphy Lining

Vintage Burl Mahogany Tansu Chest with Paper Antique Calligraphy Lining

Located in Lomita, CA

This is a unique Japanese Tansu chest that presents beautifully and also offers a glimpse into

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Brass

Late Meiji Japanese Keyaki Merchant Tansu Chest with Iron Fittings
Late Meiji Japanese Keyaki Merchant Tansu Chest with Iron Fittings

Late Meiji Japanese Keyaki Merchant Tansu Chest with Iron Fittings

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Japanese Meiji merchant's tansu chest from the late 19th century with iron hardware. This late

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Iron

Meiji Period Tansu/Chest Of Drawers
Meiji Period Tansu/Chest Of Drawers

Meiji Period Tansu/Chest Of Drawers

Located in London, GB

A three drawer cedar Meiji period Japanese chest of drawers. Unusually large drawers for a piece

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Cedar

1860s-80s Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers
1860s-80s Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers

1860s-80s Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

From Tohoku area, Japan. This mid-size, black Urushi lacquered Tansu chest of drawers is a product

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Wood

1860s-80s Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers
1860s-80s Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers

1860s-80s Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

From Kanto or Tohoku area, Japan. This mid-size, black Urushi lacquered Tansu chest of drawers is

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Wood

1860s-80s Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers
1860s-80s Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers

1860s-80s Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

-size, black Urushi lacquered Tansu chest of drawers is a product of late Edo to early Meiji era (circa

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Wood

1860s-80s Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers
1860s-80s Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers

1860s-80s Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

From Tohoku area, Japan. This mid-size, black Urushi lacquered Tansu chest of drawers is a product

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Wood

Korean Elm Tansu Chest with Brass Hardware
Korean Elm Tansu Chest with Brass Hardware

Korean Elm Tansu Chest with Brass Hardware

Located in New York, NY

Korean elm chest with original brass hardware. The chest has a nice patina. Inside has three pull

Category

1890s Korean Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Brass

Japanese Meiji Period Tansu Chest
Japanese Meiji Period Tansu Chest

Japanese Meiji Period Tansu Chest

Located in Pomona, CA

A Japanese Meiji period keyaki wood Sendai tansu clothing chest from the late 19th century, with

Category

1890s Japanese Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Iron

Rustic Japanese Pine Tansu Chest
Rustic Japanese Pine Tansu Chest

Rustic Japanese Pine Tansu Chest

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A well crafted early 20th Century Traditional Japanese clothing chest originally acquired in San

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Art Deco Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Iron

1870s-1900s wabi sabi Japanese antique mid tansu chest of drawers
1870s-1900s wabi sabi Japanese antique mid tansu chest of drawers

1870s-1900s wabi sabi Japanese antique mid tansu chest of drawers

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

Japanese antique mid size Tansu (chest of drawers), product of circa 1870s - 1900s, late Edo to

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Iron

Primitive Charred Edo Period Tansu/Chest Of Drawers Wabi Sabi
Primitive Charred Edo Period Tansu/Chest Of Drawers Wabi Sabi

Primitive Charred Edo Period Tansu/Chest Of Drawers Wabi Sabi

Located in London, GB

A 5 drawer charred cedar & elm Japanese tansu from the early 19th C. Both a beautiful & very

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Cedar

1860s-1920s Japanese antique Black urushi Tansu chest of drawers wabi sabi
1860s-1920s Japanese antique Black urushi Tansu chest of drawers wabi sabi

1860s-1920s Japanese antique Black urushi Tansu chest of drawers wabi sabi

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

Antique mid-size tansu with 4 drawers - product of Meiji to Taisho period (estimate 1868-1926

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Cedar, Wood

Kannon Biraki Isho Tansu Chests, Japan, 19th Century
Kannon Biraki Isho Tansu Chests, Japan, 19th Century

Kannon Biraki Isho Tansu Chests, Japan, 19th Century

Located in Austin, TX

Two section Kannon Biraki Isho Tansu made from traditional Japanese kiri wood with hand forged and

Category

19th Century Japanese Other Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Iron

Dark Brown Antique Wooden Tansu Dresser Chest
Dark Brown Antique Wooden Tansu Dresser Chest

Dark Brown Antique Wooden Tansu Dresser Chest

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Japanese Taisho period zebra wood tansu chest from the early 20th century with four drawers

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Brass

Japanese Tansu, chest-on-chest  (isho kasane-dansu), Yonezawa
Japanese Tansu, chest-on-chest  (isho kasane-dansu), Yonezawa

Japanese Tansu, chest-on-chest (isho kasane-dansu), Yonezawa

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Japanese chest-on-chest for clothing storage (isho kasane-dansu) from Yonezawa, constructed of

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Wood

Meiji Era Japanese Tansu Chest of Drawers, Cedar Wood, Wabi-Sabi 1868–1912
Meiji Era Japanese Tansu Chest of Drawers, Cedar Wood, Wabi-Sabi 1868–1912

Meiji Era Japanese Tansu Chest of Drawers, Cedar Wood, Wabi-Sabi 1868–1912

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

This antique chest of drawers was crafted in the Meiji Era (1868–1912). Made of Japanese cedar and

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Iron

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Tansu Chest on Fitted Wood Stand
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Tansu Chest on Fitted Wood Stand

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Tansu Chest on Fitted Wood Stand

Located in Norton, MA

Diminutive Meiji Period Storage Cabinet, early 20th c., having a red painted surface and black painted hardware and corner mounts, with side handles, six drawers and one cabinet door...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Metal

1870s-1900s Japanese antique large Mizuya tansu chest. wabi sabi primitive
1870s-1900s Japanese antique large Mizuya tansu chest. wabi sabi primitive

1870s-1900s Japanese antique large Mizuya tansu chest. wabi sabi primitive

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

New finds from Kanto or Tohoku area, Japan. This large Mizuya tansu is made from premium quality

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Japanese Antique Cabinet 1912s-1926s / Tansu Chest of Drawer Sideboard Wabisabi
Japanese Antique Cabinet 1912s-1926s / Tansu Chest of Drawer Sideboard Wabisabi

Japanese Antique Cabinet 1912s-1926s / Tansu Chest of Drawer Sideboard Wabisabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is an antique Japanese storage cabinet. It was made during the Taishō period (1912–1926) and crafted from high-quality chestnut wood, prized for its beautiful grain. Over many d...

Category

1910s Japanese Taisho Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Brass

Unusual Tall Meiji Period Japanese Tansu Wabi Sabi
Unusual Tall Meiji Period Japanese Tansu Wabi Sabi

Unusual Tall Meiji Period Japanese Tansu Wabi Sabi

Located in London, GB

A tall Japanese tansu/chest of drawers of highly unusual proportions . Four drawers with storage

Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Cedar

Chest of Drawers, Small Tansu, Japan, Wabi Sabi
Chest of Drawers, Small Tansu, Japan, Wabi Sabi

Chest of Drawers, Small Tansu, Japan, Wabi Sabi

Located in Edogawa-ku Tokyo, JP

A striking Japanese ko-tansu chest featuring a deep red lacquer finish. This compact chest was

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Wood

1900s-30s Japanese antique 2 tier mid Mizuya tansu chest. wabi sabi primitive
1900s-30s Japanese antique 2 tier mid Mizuya tansu chest. wabi sabi primitive

1900s-30s Japanese antique 2 tier mid Mizuya tansu chest. wabi sabi primitive

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

., Japan. This Mizuya tansu is made from premium quality, reddish Sugi Cedar, the product of circa 1900s

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Japanese Small Chest of Drawers, Tansu, Japan, Wabi Sabi
Japanese Small Chest of Drawers, Tansu, Japan, Wabi Sabi

Japanese Small Chest of Drawers, Tansu, Japan, Wabi Sabi

Located in Edogawa-ku Tokyo, JP

A small Japanese tansu chest, crafted in the end of 19th century. This compact chest was

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Tansu Chest

Materials

Wood

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Antique Tansu Chest For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the antique tansu chest you’re looking for. Each antique tansu chest for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and iron. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer antique tansu chest, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right antique tansu chest, those designed in Folk Art and Modern styles are of considerable interest.

How Much is a Antique Tansu Chest?

Prices for an antique tansu chest start at $295 and top out at $28,750 with the average selling for $3,500.

Finding the Right Storage-case-pieces for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Antique Tansu Chest
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A tansu chest is a Japanese cabinet designed for easy transportation and can store a variety of items, including clothes and personal items. Tansu chests often feature multiple compartments to keep items organized. Shop a selection of authentic tansu chests on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    To tell if a chest is antique, first examine its materials and details carefully. An antique chest is one produced 100 years ago or more. This generally predates the use of engineered wood, particleboard, plastics and other synthetic materials. As a result, an antique chest usually features solid wood construction.

    In addition, antique chests are likely to be handmade, so you should be able to spot subtle signs that indicate this, such as tool marks and small irregularities in any carvings. If a piece looks flawless and regular, it is unlikely to be antique. Locating a maker's mark and then researching when the manufacturer was active can also help you date your chest. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to learn more about your chest.

    On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique chests.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify an antique chest of drawers, look inside and beneath drawers and on the back and bottom for any type of maker's marking. Researching these marks using trusted online resources may allow you to determine who produced your chest and roughly date your piece. If your chest is at least 100 years old, it is an antique. Should you be unable to locate the maker's marks, look at the hardware. Rose head nails, one-piece cast brass pommels on the drawer handles and circular rather than hexagonal bolts may all indicate that a piece is an antique. Keep in mind that hardware may have been replaced at some point and that there are many reproductions of antique furnishings. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer complete the identification process if you're unable to identify your chest via the maker's markings. Find a range of antique chests of drawers on 1stDibs.

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