Japanese Edo Period Apothecary Chest (Tansu), Kaei 1 (1848), Wabi-Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
In its worn surfaces and measured proportions, one finds the calm depth that defines wabi-sabi: beauty revealed through use and the passage of years.
Iron
Japanese Antique Storage Jar, Late Edo Period, Japandi Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba, Chiba
A Japanese antique storage jar from the late Edo period, originally used for preserving food or materials. The surface displays a rich interplay of textures, with natural ash deposi...
Pottery
Japanese Antique Tall Black Tansu Chest 1860s-1920s / Drawer Chest Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
Its beautifully aged surface embodies the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi—an appreciation for imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty created through the passage of time.
Brass
Japanese Antique Cedar Storage Cabinet, 1930s–1940s, Japandi Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba, Chiba
A Japanese antique storage cabinet crafted from cedar and dating from the 1930s–1940s. The soft grain and lightweight character of cedar give the cabinet a calm, gentle presence that...
Wood, Glass
Japanese Antique Lauan Storage Cabinet, 1950s–1970s, Japandi Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba, Chiba
A Japanese antique storage cabinet crafted from lauan wood and dating from the 1950s–1970s. Constructed from thick, solid boards, the piece has a sturdy, reassuring presence that ref...
Wood
$1,500Sale Price|31% Off
Japanese Antique Pine Storage Shelf, 1930s–1950s - Japandi Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba, Chiba
A Japanese antique storage shelf crafted from pine, dating from the 1930s–1950s. Standing at 182 cm, the piece has a strong vertical presence, with eight evenly arranged tiers that c...
Wood
Edo Period Japanese Black Drawer Chest 1800s-1860s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
Rather than relying on elaborate decoration, this Tansu expresses the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi—an appreciation for the beauty found in natural materials, the passage of time,...
Iron
Late Edo Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Kusuri-Dansu Apothecary Chest, 1820s–1860s
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
A Japanese antique kusuri-dansu, or apothecary chest, made of sugi cedar. This piece dates to the late Edo period, circa early to mid-19th century, around the 1820s–1860s. Originally...
Wood, Cedar
Japanese Antique Low Chest of Drawers, Taisho Era “1912–1926”, Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique low chest of drawers was crafted in the Taisho Era (1912–1926). Finished with traditional Japanese kakishibu (persimmon tannin) and soot-based pigment, the surface pres...
Iron
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). Made with traditional woodworking jointly without metal fastener. Finished with blac...
Cedar, Wood
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 a product of late Edo to early Meiji era (circa 1860s-1880s) , estimate from the st...
Wood
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 of late Edo to early Meiji era (circa 1860s-1880s) , estimate from the style & con...
Wood
1860s-80s Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
New finds from an farmer's Kura (traditional style warehouse) in Ibaraki pref., Japan. This mid-size, black Urushi lacquered Tansu chest of drawers is a product of late Edo to early...
Wood
1820s-1860s Japanese antique cabinet, wabi sabi tansu medicine chest of drawers
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Japanese antique large cabinet, tansu chest of drawers in the vein of Kusuri dansu (Medicine / apothecary chest). Product of Mid to late Edo period (1820s-1860s / Early to Mid 19th C...
Wood, Hardwood
Japanese Antique Sen Wood Storage Cabinet, 1930s–1950s, Japandi Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba, Chiba
This Japanese antique storage cabinet dates from around the 1930s–1950s and is crafted from solid sen (Japanese ash) wood. The beautiful flowing grain across the front gives the cabi...
Wood
Japanese Antique Tochi Wood Small Storage , 1900s–1930s, Japandi Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba, Chiba
This Japanese antique storage cabinet dates from around 1900–1930 and is crafted from solid Tochi (Japanese horse chestnut) wood. The cabinet has a compact yet substantial presence, ...
Wood
$648Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Wood, Hardwood
Japanese Antique Tansu Chest of Drawers, Early Meiji Era ‘1868–1912’, Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
A piece that quietly embodies the depth of wabi-sabi, shaped through time and use. Condition Notes: - Structure is sound and stable with no structural issues - Surface shows age-rel...
Iron
Japanese Antique Low Cedar Chest of Drawers, Late Edo Period, Mingei, Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This Japanese antique chest of drawers was crafted during the Late Edo Period, circa 1850. Its low, horizontal proportions and four generously sized drawers reflect the practical sp...
Iron
1886 (Meiji 19) Japanese antique dougu tansu, tool chest of drawers wabi sabi
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Just a simple store furniture got a nice wabi sabi touch by age nearly 140 years. Drawer interior 1st tier w 9.76 in / h 4.84 in / d 355 - 360 in (w 248mm / h 123mm / d 355 - 360m...
Wood, Cedar
$1,640Sale Price|20% Off
Edo Japanese Wabi-Sabi Dougu / Kusuri Tansu, Tool / Medicine chest Late 19th Cen
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Product of late Edo period (estimate 1860s-1870s) in Aomori prefecture, Japan. Originally made as tool chest or medicine chest, made of thick, fine grade reddish Sugi cedar. The rus...
Wood, Cedar
$560Sale Price|30% Off
Japanese Antique Small Chest of Drawers, Edo Era (Tenpō 1830-1844), Wabi-Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
The aged urushi (Japanese lacquer), worn away in places, enhances the piece’s unique character and embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic. On the side of one drawer, the inscription "Tenpō...
Cedar
1860s-80s Edo Japanese antique mid size Urushi Tansu chest of drawers, wabi sabi
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Guessing from the style, this believed to be Komono tansu - chest of drawers for organizing Komono (Kimono accessories). Having good storage capacity with deep drawers. Urushi lacq...
Wood, Cedar
Japanese Antique Ash Wood Storage Cabinet, 1920s–1940s - Japandi Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba, Chiba
A Japanese antique storage cabinet crafted from ash wood, dating from the 1920s–1940s. The piece carries the quiet charm of an old Western-style residence, with soft light filtering ...
Glass, Wood
1860s-80s Edo Japanese antique mid size Urushi Tansu chest of drawers, wabi sabi
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Mid-size, Dark reddish brown Urushi lacquered Tansu chest of drawers. Made of Sugi cedar - a product of late Edo to early Meiji era (circa 1860s-1880s) , estimate from the style &...
Wood, Cedar
1840s-1860s Edo Japanese antique wabi sabi desk organizer Tansu chest of drawers
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Japanese antique shallow Tansu chest of drawers with 4 shelves - made of quality red pine & chestnut. The product of 1840s - 1860s (late Edo period) estimate from the style &...
Wood, Chestnut, Pine
$1,088Sale Price|20% Off
1860s-1910s Meiji 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 tall size, Urushi lacquered Tansu chest of drawers is a product of Meiji era (circa 1860s - 1910s) , estimate from the style & conditions....
Wood
Japanese Antique Small Chest of Drawers, Keio Era (Edo Period, 1867), Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique small chest of drawers was crafted in the Keio Era (1867). Made from Japanese cedar and finished with traditional Japanese lacquer (urushi), the surface has developed a...
Cedar
Japanese antique wooden storage box, Late Edo period , wabi-sabi coffee table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This piece is believed to be a wooden storage chest known as a karabi-bitsu, made in Japan during the late Edo period (approximately the 18th–19th century). The karabi-bitsu is a tra...
Cedar, Cypress
Hand Carved Stump Chair in Pine with Storage, Swedish Modern, Wabi Sabi, 1900s
Located in Odense, DK
Not only is it beautiful, but it also offers a practical storage room under the seat. "Wabi-sabi is the view or thought of finding beauty in every aspect of imperfection in nature.
Pine
Japanese Antique Ancient Sueki Sue Ware Wabi-Sabi Art Pottery Vase Storage Jar
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, unique, and handcrafted piece of ancient Japanese Sueki Sue ware pottery dating back to the 500-600s (6th-7th century). Sueki/ Sue pottery was a blue-gray form of stonew...
Pottery, Stoneware
Japanese antique paper covered wabi sabi Cha Tsubo large pottery tea storage jar
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Washi layers are almost conbined together with pottery by the age, having unique wabi sabi texture on it. Cha-Tsubo's opening is usually just covered with several papers and tied wi...
Paper, Pottery, Stoneware
Large Japanese Antique Paper-Covered Wabi-Sabi Cha Tsubo Tea Storage Jar 19th C
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Washi layers are almost conbined together with pottery by the age, having unique wabi sabi texture on it. Cha-Tsubo's opening is usually just covered with several papers and tied w...
Paper, Stoneware, Pottery
Beautifully Worn Late Edo Period Wabi Sabi "Safe"
Located in London, GB
A Beautifully Worn Late Edo Period Wabi Sabi "Safe"/Storage box. Originally used to store money & valuables.
Chestnut, Cedar
1940s French Brutalist, Solid Oak Cabinet
By Charlotte Perriand, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A study in quiet sophistication, this piece integrates seamlessly into French country, rustic-modern, or wabi-sabi interiors, offering both functional storage and sculptural presence.
Iron
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.
Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.
Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.
Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.
Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.
In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.
From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.