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Japanese Drawer 1882s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
Japanese aesthetic of “wabi-sabi.
It has an understated yet dignified presence that will give a quiet power
Category
Antique 1880s Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Chests of Drawers , Wabi-Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This antique Japanese chest of drawers dates back to the Meiji period.
This chest is made from sturdy cedar wood with a lacquer finish, and the iron handles add industrial elegance....
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Chests of Drawers , Wabi-Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This antique Japanese chest of drawers dates back to the Meiji period.
This chest is made from sturdy cedar wood with a lacquer finish, and the iron handles add industrial elegance....
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Wabi Sabi Small Drawer 1860s-1900s
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
.
This is a very valuable piece of furniture with a wabi-sabi aesthetic.
Weight 7 kg.
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Chests of Small Drawers , Wabi-Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This medicine chest from the Meiji period has 36 small drawers and is highly practical.
It can be used for storage, of course, but depending on your ideas, it can also be used for a...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Drawer Storage 1900s-1920s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
embodies the uniquely Japanese aesthetic of "wabi-sabi.
It has a strong presence as an interior decoration
Category
Vintage 1910s Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Old Wabi-Sabi Box 1948s / Tansu Sofa Table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
sofa table.
This item evokes the spirit of wabi-sabi, the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in
Category
Vintage 1940s Japanese Showa Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
water.
You can use it with peace of mind.
The spirit of "Wabi-sabi," the Japanese idea of finding
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Tansu 1860s-1900s / Storage Drawer
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
furniture is in the spirit of "wabi-sabi," the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection and
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Japanese Antique Small Chests of Drawers , Tansu, Wabi-Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This storage box with drawers was made during the Taisho period（1900-1926）.
The base is made of light and durable paulownia wood, and the drawers are made of cherry wood.
The beaut...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Drawer / Tansu Storage / Meiji Period Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese drawer.
It seems to be around the Meiji period (1868-1912s).
It is made of cedar, and the front of the drawer peels off the paint due to friction due to agi...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
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 with forged iron hardware. Two small hidden drawers to the top right can be removed t...
Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Small Drawer 1860s-1920s / Nightstand Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
ready for immediate use.
This furniture is imbued with the timeless spirit of “wabi-sabi.
This gem has
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
H 19.69 in W 19.1 in D 9.85 in
Japanese Antique Large Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
into the lacquer, evoking the spirit of “wabi sabi,” which means that beauty resides in decadence.
The
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
H 39.77 in W 27.96 in D 17.13 in
Japanese Zelkova Wood Storage Drawer 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
the spirit of "wabi-sabi.
It is a timeless piece of storage furniture that brings quiet beauty to
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
H 34.45 in W 32.68 in D 19.3 in
Japanese Antique Black Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
spirit of “Wabi-sabi,” the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence.
It is
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Tansu 1860s-1920s / Chest of Drawer Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
of wabi-sabi, a Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence.
It is a
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Chestnut, Cedar
Japanese Antique Chest of Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
no insect infestation.
The furniture recalls the spirit of “wabi-sabi,” the Japanese philosophy of
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Compact Chest, Meiji Era '1868-1912'Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
, while the three drawers showcase a simple yet wabi-sabi-inspired design. The unique textures and
Category
Antique 1890s Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Lacquered Small Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
cleaned and sanitized.
You can use them with peace of mind.
The spirit of “wabi-sabi,” the Japanese
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Lacquer, Cedar
H 18.71 in W 16.74 in D 11.62 in
Japanese Antique BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
and sanitized with water.
You can use it with peace of mind.
The spirit of "Wabi-sabi," the Japanese
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Black Drawer / Storage Tansu / 1868s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese drawer.
The material is made of cedar, and the drawer has traces of "Meiji 1st year" (1868) written in ink at that time.
Over time, black soot has turned in...
Category
Antique 1860s Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
H 21.26 in W 18.9 in D 10.91 in
Japanese Antique Tansu / Drawer Cabinet / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese drawer.
It has been used in stores since the Edo period in the Tohoku region, and it is estimated that it was made around the Meiji period.
The material is ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
H 21.07 in W 35.44 in D 15.75 in
Japanese Antique Chests of Drawers 1860s-1900s /Tansu, Wabi-Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This small drawer was produced in the Taisho period.
This chest is made of sturdy cedar with a lacquer finish, with a base panel made of lightweight paulownia wood and an iron handl...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Chest of Drawers, Early Meiji Era'1868-'Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
, showcasing the charm and character unique to antiques. The aged patina embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Low Drawer Box, Taisho Era (1912-1926), Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
aged patina and weathered details add to its wabi-sabi charm, embodying the timeless appeal of antique
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique 24-Drawer Cabinet, Meiji Era'1868-1912'Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
weathered details add to its wabi-sabi charm.
As a antique piece, minor scratches and marks may be present
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
1870s-1900s wabi sabi Japanese antique mid tansu chest of drawers
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Meiji era, estimate from the style & conditions.
Remaining original paint gives a nice wabi sabi touch
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Chests Of Drawers, Meiji Era'1868-1912', Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
the essence of "wabi-sabi," this piece brings a profound sense of history and atmosphere to any space
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Huge Tansu 1800s-1860s / Storage Cabinet Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
sides and back is also distinctive and beautiful.
This is a very rare Tansu with a wabi-sabi aesthetic
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cedar
H 41.34 in W 62.21 in D 33.47 in
Japanese antique drawer 1860s-1920s / Black urushi finished wabi sabi tansu
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
urushi-lacquered because of that).
It gives gentle impression, as well as Wabi Sabi element of this
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar, Wood
H 12.8 in W 29.72 in D 11.42 in
Japanese Antique Chests Of Drawers, Meiji Era'1868-1912'Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
combines functionality with traditional charm.
The chest of drawers exudes a wabi-sabi aesthetic, with its
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Medicine Chest / Drawer Tansu / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese chest called "medicine chest" in Japan.
It is believed that it was originally used as a chest used by doctors and pharmacists to hold medicines and Chinese h...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
H 23.04 in W 23.63 in D 12.01 in
Japanese Antique Chests of Drawers, Meiji Era'1868-1912'Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This is antique chests of drawers was crafted in the Late Meiji Era(1868-1912).
The aged texture of the cedar wood gives this chest a sense of depth and warmth. The black urushi (Ja...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Tansu / Cabinet Drawer Night Table / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese drawer.
It is a type with a deeper drawer than a normal drawer.
It is estimated that it was made around the Meiji period.
The material is made of cedar.
C...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cedar
H 23.82 in W 22.64 in D 23.43 in
Japanese Antique Chests Of Drawers / Tansu Storage / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese cabinet.
It seems to be around the Meiji period, and the material is made of cedar.
There are 20 drawers of 3 different sizes.
The handle is a black metal ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
H 34.85 in W 35.44 in D 16.15 in
1860s-1920s Japanese antique rustic wabi sabi mid tansu chest of drawers
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
, remains in good wabi sabi touch.
Smooth opening & closing operation for all drawers.
There're two minor
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cedar
H 17.41 in W 38.12 in D 19.69 in
Japanese Antique BK Huge Tansu 1800s-1860s / Storage Cabinet Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
sides and back is also distinctive and beautiful.
This is a very rare Tansu with a wabi-sabi aesthetic
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cedar
H 41.54 in W 47.84 in D 23.82 in
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 & condi...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Hardwood
H 5.71 in W 28.35 in D 16.15 in
Japanese Antique Black Drawer With Paper Pasted / Storage/ 1868-1912s/ Wabi-sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese black chest.
It seems to be around the Meiji period, and the material is made of cedar.
Old paper is attached to the sides, back, and top. The paper is past...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
H 15.36 in W 20.08 in D 11.62 in
1780s-1850s Edo Japanese antique medicine chest of drawers, cabinet wabi sabi
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Mid size apothecary chest, medicine chest of drawers - "Kusuri dansu" in Japanese - is a new finds from Kanto area, Japan. .
Product of late Edo era (1780s-1868), estimate from the s...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Hardwood
H 19.1 in W 33.47 in D 12.6 in
1860s-1910s Japanese antique cabinet, wabi sabi tansu medicine chest of drawers
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
This large shop cabinet, tansu chest of drawers, is in the vein of Kusuri dansu (Medicine / apothecary chest).
Product of Meiji era (1860s-1910), estimate from the style & conditions...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Cypress
H 31.3 in W 74.22 in D 15.75 in
Japanese Antique Drawer / Tansu Peddler Chest of drawers / 1868-1912s Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese drawer.
I think it is a called "Peddler's Tansu", which is used by merchants to carry goods far away.
"Peddler" refers to carrying and retailing products wi...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
H 35.24 in W 11.23 in D 22.45 in
1940s Japanese vintage wooden tansu chest of drawers, wabi sabi organic Japandi
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Japanese Vintage Isho Tansu, clothes chest of drawers - fully made of quality Sugi cedar with unique, marble-like grains.
Manufactured in circa 1940s, estimate from the style, techni...
Category
Vintage 1940s Japanese Organic Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cedar
H 37.8 in W 32.29 in D 16.15 in
Japanese Antique Vertical Chest Of Drawers, Meiji Era'1868-1912', Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This is a Japanese vertical chest of drawers crafted during the Meiji era (1868–1912).
This chest of drawers is designed with vertical proportions that make it stand out in both fun...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
H 39.89 in W 25.99 in D 13.12 in
Japanese Antique Three-Drawer Box, Taisho Era'1912-1926', Wabi Sabi #2
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique drawer box was crafted in the Taisho Era(1912-1926).
An antique three-drawer box.
The distinctive texture and tranquil presence cultivated over time are the defining ch...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
19th Edo Japanese wabi sabi dougu Kusuri Tansu, Tool medicine chest of drawers
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
wabi sabi elements altogether.
Smooth opening & closing operation on all drawers.
Of course, it's
Category
Antique 1860s Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cedar
H 30.71 in W 34.45 in D 13.98 in
Japanese Antique Small Chest of Drawers, Edo Era (Tenpō 1830-1844), Wabi-Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
(Japanese lacquer), worn away in places, enhances the piece’s unique character and embodies the wabi-sabi
Category
Antique 1840s Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
H 17.01 in W 18.9 in D 14.02 in
1780s-1850s Edo Japanese antique Kiri medicine chest of drawers, wabi sabi tansu
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Tall apothecary chest, medicine chest of drawers - "Kusuri dansu" in Japanese - is a new finds from Hyogo pref., Japan. .
Product of late Edo era (1780s-1868), estimate from the styl...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
H 35.08 in W 36.03 in D 8.27 in
Japanese vintage urushi small Kiri tansu box chest of drawers, wabi sabi mingei
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Japanese vintage small box tansu chest of drawers, Kohikidashi, fully made of Kiri (Paulownia).
Refinished by seller with traditional black Urushi lacquer, persimmon tannin & burnt p...
Category
20th Century Japanese Folk Art Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
H 11.74 in W 10.63 in D 12.21 in
mid 20th Japanese vintage small Tansu, wabi sabi box chest of drawers japandi
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
wooden small tansu (chest of drawers) with 5 drawers, made of Tamo (Japanese Ash).
This piece is one of the "Ashed" line furnitures of my shop items - bleached with lye made from th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Organic Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Ash, Hardwood
H 17.88 in W 11.34 in D 13.12 in
1850s-60s Japanese antique box chest of drawers, Edo era. wabi sabi urushi tansu
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
labels still remained, both giving a good wabi sabi touch to the item.
Fine opening & closing operation
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cedar
H 21.46 in W 22.83 in D 12.99 in
Japanese antique mid-size tansu chest of drawers, 1849. late Edo era. wabi sabi
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
This 175 years-old Tansu chest of drawers, is a product of late Edo period.
Made of thick, quality cedar that is hard to find nowadays. There're scratches but just on the surface, st...
Category
Antique 1840s Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cedar
H 14.57 in W 24.81 in D 14.38 in
Late Edo Period Japanese Drawers Wabi Sabi
Located in London, GB
A set of heavily patinated cedar Japanese drawers from the late Edo period.
9 drawers in total with many age old repairs.
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Andrianna Shamaris Antique Japanese Wabi Sabi Wood Tansu Chest
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Kiri wood wabi sabi clothing chest from the 20th century in this hard to find miniature
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
water.
You can use it with peace of mind.
This item evokes the spirit of wabi-sabi, the Japanese
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Charred Edo Period Wabi Sabi Tansu/Chest Of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A very well proportioned charred cedar & elm Japanese tansu from the early 19th C.
Both a beautiful & very practical piece of furniture.
Heavy patinated through years of use with a...
Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Elm, Cedar
Japanese Antique Chests of Drawers 1900s-1926s, Wabi-Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This small drawer was produced in the Taisho period (1912-1926).
This furniture was made by applying traditional techniques used in Japanese shrines. Our craftsmen have carefully ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Drawer / Storage Tansu / 1868-1912s / Wabi-sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese drawer.
The material is made of Zelkova, and it is characterized by a strong wood grain and a different color for each front plate of the drawer.
Only one b...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Black Drawer / Storage / Meiji Period Wabi-sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old wooden drawer in Japan.
It seems to be around the Meiji period.
Cedar is used as a material.
Each drawer in 7 different sizes can store a variety of things.
There are ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cedar
- 1
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Wabi Sabi Commode For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the wabi sabi commode you’re looking for. Frequently made of wood, cedar and metal, every wabi sabi commode was constructed with great care. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect wabi sabi commode — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. A wabi sabi commode, designed in the mid-century modern, Hollywood Regency or Rococo style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Andrianna Shamaris, Pierre Jeanneret and Kai Kristiansen each produced at least one beautiful wabi sabi commode that is worth considering.
How Much is a Wabi Sabi Commode?
A wabi sabi commode can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,300, while the lowest priced sells for $400 and the highest can go for as much as $15,000.
Finding the Right Commodes-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.
Questions About Wabi Sabi Commode
- What is wabi-sabi furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Wabi-sabi furniture refers to tables, seats and other furnishings that reflect a specific Japanese design philosophy. It involves creating minimalist furniture that has a focus on appreciating the imperfections found in nature. On 1stDibs, find a collection of wabi-sabi furniture.
- What is an example of wabi-sabi?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Wabi-sabi is the practice of finding the beauty in imperfections. Examples include flowers growing through cracks in the ground, or a broken ceramic bowl made whole again with its imperfections showing through. You’ll find a variety of wabi-sabi pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022One important aspect of wabi-sabi is the beauty in imperfect things, so a good example of wabi-sabi would be asymmetrical or even crude vessels and furniture. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of wabi-sabi furniture and other objects from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The primary principle of Wabi-Sabi is to appreciate the imperfections found in nature. As a result, Wabi-Sabi emphasizes asymmetry, roughness, simplicity and the use of natural materials and finishes. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of pieces based on Wabi-Sabi principles.
- What is wabi-sabi pottery?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Wabi-sabi pottery refers to earthenware vessels that embody the principles of a Japanese philosophy called wabi-sabi. Proponents of the idea believe that household objects should emphasize function over form, so that they satisfy needs but do not cause people to attach too much meaning to worldly possessions. There is also a focus on finding the beauty in imperfection and simplicity. On 1stDibs, find a collection of wabi-sabi pottery.
- Is Wabi-sabi a design style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Wabi-sabi is technically not a design style, but it has influenced design. The term Wabi-sabi refers to a philosophy that emphasizes accepting imperfection and celebrating the impermanent beauty of nature. This concept has inspired many interior design trends, such as using organic and sustainable materials, selecting upcycled and repurposed pieces and integrating furniture and decorative objects that are unfinished, unpolished and unglazed. Shop a collection of pieces inspired by Wabi-sabi on 1stDibs.
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