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Tansu Chests

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Japanese Edo Period Apothecary Chest (Tansu), Kaei 1 (1848), Wabi-Sabi
Japanese Edo Period Apothecary Chest (Tansu), Kaei 1 (1848), Wabi-Sabi

Japanese Edo Period Apothecary Chest (Tansu), Kaei 1 (1848), Wabi-Sabi

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

This Japanese apothecary chest (tansu) dates to the first year of Kaei (1848), late Edo period. The

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Fantastic Pair Baker Modern Asian Tansu Bachelors Chest Chinoiserie Mid-Century
Fantastic Pair Baker Modern Asian Tansu Bachelors Chest Chinoiserie Mid-Century

Fantastic Pair Baker Modern Asian Tansu Bachelors Chest Chinoiserie Mid-Century

$4,400Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 27.25 in W 38 in D 19.5 in

Fantastic Pair Baker Modern Asian Tansu Bachelors Chest Chinoiserie Mid-Century

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Amazingly beautiful pair of Japanese Tansu bachelors chests by Baker. Dark stained oak with

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

Japanese Antique Black Drawer Chest 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Japanese Antique Black Drawer Chest 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi Sabi

Japanese Antique Black Drawer Chest 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi Sabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is an old Japanese black drawer cabinet. Quietly standing in space, it brings a deep sense of balance and quiet tension without ever appearing overly assertive. It is believed ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Chest of Drawer / Tansu Storage / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Japanese Antique Chest of Drawer / Tansu Storage / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei

Japanese Antique Chest of Drawer / Tansu Storage / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei

Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture

This striking antique chest of drawers, originating in Japan, exudes timeless minimalism and the

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Small Low Board 1847s / Tansu Night Stand Drawer Chest Wabisabi
Japanese Antique Small Low Board 1847s / Tansu Night Stand Drawer Chest Wabisabi

Japanese Antique Small Low Board 1847s / Tansu Night Stand Drawer Chest Wabisabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is a small antique Japanese chest of drawers distinguished by its refined presence and the

Category

Antique 1840s Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

1886 (Meiji 19) Japanese antique dougu tansu, tool chest of drawers wabi sabi
1886 (Meiji 19) Japanese antique dougu tansu, tool chest of drawers wabi sabi

1886 (Meiji 19) Japanese antique dougu tansu, tool chest of drawers wabi sabi

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

From Daigo, Ibaraki pref., Japan. Antique dougu tansu, tool chest of drawers made of Yamizo Sugi

Category

Antique 1880s Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Cedar

19th Edo Japanese wabi sabi dougu Kusuri Tansu, Tool medicine chest of drawers
19th Edo Japanese wabi sabi dougu Kusuri Tansu, Tool medicine chest of drawers

19th Edo Japanese wabi sabi dougu Kusuri Tansu, Tool medicine chest of drawers

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

tool chest or medicine chest, made of thick, fine grade reddish Sugi cedar. The rustic surface of this

Category

Antique 1860s Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Cedar

A Large Early 19th C. Late Edo Period Tansu Cabinet/Chest Of Drawers Wabi Wabi
A Large Early 19th C. Late Edo Period Tansu Cabinet/Chest Of Drawers Wabi Wabi

A Large Early 19th C. Late Edo Period Tansu Cabinet/Chest Of Drawers Wabi Wabi

Located in London, GB

An eight drawer early Meiji period cedar tansu cabinet/chest of drawers. A beautiful and very

Category

Antique 1820s Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

19th Century Antique Japanese Todana Tansu Storage Cabinet
19th Century Antique Japanese Todana Tansu Storage Cabinet

19th Century Antique Japanese Todana Tansu Storage Cabinet

Located in Linkebeek, BE

Antique Japanese todana tansu - 19th Antique - Oriental Decoration Measures : 97cmx44cm H:53cm

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

-1900s). This is a "Shonai chest" chest made in the Tohoku region of Japan. It is characterized by its

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Nightstand Tansu Wabisabi
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Nightstand Tansu Wabisabi

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Nightstand Tansu Wabisabi

$800Sale Price|38% Off

H 21.07 in W 24.22 in D 12.21 in

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Nightstand Tansu Wabisabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is an old drawer storage made in Japan. It was made between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s). The material used is cedar wood, and iron hardware is attached to the han...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

Very old Japanese small drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of cedar wood. The handles are made of iron. The design is ultimately simple...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Drawer / Storage Tansu / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Japanese Antique Drawer / Storage Tansu / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei

Japanese Antique Drawer / Storage Tansu / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei

Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture

Overview An exceptional piece of Japanese history, this Meiji Period (1868–1912) Tansu showcases a

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Drawer / Storage Tansu / 1900-1930s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Japanese Antique Drawer / Storage Tansu / 1900-1930s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei

Japanese Antique Drawer / Storage Tansu / 1900-1930s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei

Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture

A rare and thoughtfully designed early 20th-century Japanese Sugi (Cedar) chest, featuring a

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer Meiji / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer Meiji / Tansu Storage Wabisabi

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer Meiji / Tansu Storage Wabisabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is a very old black-lacquered drawer storage unit made in Japan. Judging from the handle design, it appears to date from the Meiji period. It is very old. It comes with a lock. ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer primitive  / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer primitive  / Tansu Storage Wabisabi

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer primitive / Tansu Storage Wabisabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is a very old black-lacquered drawer storage unit made in Japan. The original handles still have old ropes attached, suggesting it is very old. It is thought to date from the Ed...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique NT Tansu 1920s-1940s / Natural color / cabinet
Japanese Antique NT Tansu 1920s-1940s / Natural color / cabinet

Japanese Antique NT Tansu 1920s-1940s / Natural color / cabinet

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is an old Japanese-made cabinet. It was made in the early Showa period (1920s-1940s). It features traditional Japanese design. The wood pattern is used in an interesting way ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Japanese Antique BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi

Japanese Antique BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

Very old Japanese small drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of cedar wood and pine. The handles are made of iron. This is almost in its o...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar, Pine

Japanese Antique Drawer / Tansu Storage / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Japanese Antique Drawer / Tansu Storage / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei

Japanese Antique Drawer / Tansu Storage / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei

Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture

This is an old Japanese drawer. The original red color has balanced with soot from its long use in an old house with an irori hearth, and has turned a natural reddish-brown. The pee...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Black Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi
Japanese Antique Black Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi

Japanese Antique Black Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is an old drawer storage made in Japan. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is a valuable antique piece of furniture filled with Japanese craftsmanship. The ma...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Huge Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Cabinet Wabisabi
Japanese Antique Huge Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Cabinet Wabisabi

Japanese Antique Huge Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Cabinet Wabisabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is a huge old Japanese-made drawer storage. The furniture was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is made of cedar wood with rustic and practical iron hardware on the...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Small Drawer 1860s-1920s / Nightstand Tansu Wabi Sabi
Japanese Antique Small Drawer 1860s-1920s / Nightstand Tansu Wabi Sabi

Japanese Antique Small Drawer 1860s-1920s / Nightstand Tansu Wabi Sabi

$560Sale Price|37% Off

H 19.69 in W 19.1 in D 9.85 in

Japanese Antique Small Drawer 1860s-1920s / Nightstand Tansu Wabi Sabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is a small drawer storage made in Japan. The furniture was made between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s) and is made of cedar wood. Iron is used for the handles, and t...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is a very old Japanese black drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is probably from the Tohoku region of Japan. The material is mainly cedar w...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Late Edo Merchant Counter Tansu, Original Urushi Lacquer with 6 Drawers
Japanese Late Edo Merchant Counter Tansu, Original Urushi Lacquer with 6 Drawers

Japanese Late Edo Merchant Counter Tansu, Original Urushi Lacquer with 6 Drawers

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

A Japanese merchant counter tansu from the late Edo period, circa 1840s–1860s, constructed from

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi

Japanese Antique BK 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 BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabi Sabi
Japanese Antique BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabi Sabi

Japanese Antique BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabi Sabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

Very old Japanese drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The main material is cedar wood. The handles are made of iron. The design is ultimately simpl...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Wabisabi Drawer 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Storage Tansu Mingei
Japanese Antique Wabisabi Drawer 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Storage Tansu Mingei

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

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Antique Japanese low display stand w/ drawer, Okidoko tansu, wabi sabi mingei
Antique Japanese low display stand w/ drawer, Okidoko tansu, wabi sabi mingei

Antique Japanese low display stand w/ drawer, Okidoko tansu, wabi sabi mingei

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

Antique "Okidoko"- wooden low display stand with drawer from Tohoku area, Japan. Manufactured in Circa 1900s to 1920s (Taisho to early Showa period) , estimate from the style & c...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

Japanese Antique Small Drawer / Storage / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Japanese Antique Small Drawer / Storage / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei

Japanese Antique Small Drawer / Storage / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei

Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture

Meiji period (1868–1912), this exceptional Japanese small chest (Ko-tansu) is a testament to the

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Rope, Cedar

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Tansu Chests For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of tansu chests is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct tansu chests — often made from wood, metal and cedar — can elevate any home. Tansu chests have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Tansu chests made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with folk art — are very popular at 1stDibs. Not every interior allows for large tansu chests, so small tansu chests measuring 6.03 inches across are available at 1stDibs. Tansu chests have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Henredon, Baker Furniture Company and American of Martinsville are consistently popular.

How Much are Tansu Chests?

Tansu chests can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $2,492, while the lowest priced sells for $325 and the highest can go for as much as $28,000.

Finding the Right Commodes And Chests Of Drawers for You

Shopping for a commode or a chest of drawers?

Commode is the French term for a low chest of drawers, but it is also sometimes used to denote any case piece with a particularly intricate design. The commode dates to circa 1700 France, where it was used as an alternative to a taller cabinet piece so as to not obscure paneled, mirrored or tapestried walls. Coffers, or chests, which were large wooden boxes with hinged lids and sometimes stood on ball feet, preceded chests of drawers, a fashionable cabinet furnishing that garnered acclaim for its obvious storage potential and versatility. The term commode was also used to refer to a piece of bedroom furniture — a washstand or nightstand that contained a chamber pot. 

As time passed, French and British furniture makers led the way in the production of chests of drawers, and features like the integration of bronze and ornamental pulls became commonplace. Antique French commodes in the Louis XV style were sometimes crafted in mahogany or walnut, while an Italian marble top added a sophisticated decorative flourish. This specific type of case piece grew in popularity in the years that followed.

So, what makes a chest of drawers different from a common dresser? Dressers are short, and chests of drawers are overall taller pieces of furniture that typically do not have room on the top for a mirror as most dressers do. Tallboys and highboys are variations of the dresser form. Some chests of drawers have one column of four to six long drawers or three long drawers in their bottom section that are topped by a cluster of small side-by-side drawers on the top. To further complicate things, we sometimes refer to particularly short chests of drawers as nightstands. 

Even though chests of drawers are commonly thought of as bedroom furniture to store clothing, these are adaptable pieces. A chest of drawers can house important documents — think of your walnut Art Deco commode as an upgrade to your filing cabinet. Nestle your chest near your home’s front door to store coats and other outerwear, while the top can be a place to drop your handbag. Add some flair to your kitchen, where this lovable case piece can hold pots, pans and even cookbooks.

When shopping for the right chest of drawers for your home, there are a few key things to consider: What will you be storing in it? How big a chest will you need?

Speaking of size, don’t dream too big. If your space is on the smaller side, a more streamlined vintage mid-century modern chest of drawers, perhaps one designed by Paul McCobb or T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, may best suit your needs.

At 1stDibs, we make it easy to add style and storage to your home. Browse our collection of antique and vintage commodes and chests of drawers today.

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