Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 15

20th Century Vintage Jewelry Storage Mahogany Tansu Chest with Original Lock

About the Item

This is slightly larger than many so-called "tansu" chests, which were originally traditional Japanese mobile storage units, often made of wood, featuring intricate joinery and iron hardware. Originating in the Edo period, they served as storage for clothing, valuables, and tools. Tansu chests were designed to be portable, reflecting a nomadic lifestyle, and are now cherished as antiques. This has a much more "Western" feel than true Japanese or other Asian-area-originating small chests. It would fit seamlessly into any interior, either Western or Asian, with its boldly grained wood and bright brass elements. This brass bound mahogany cabinet is probably mid 20th Century. This whimsical piece is being offered at almost 20 percent below its retail value. Of rectangular section, the case fitted with two hinged cabinet doors opening to a divided interior with a stack of five short drawers next to a recessed area, over two long drawers, on bracket feet, with vibrant cast brass hinges, handles and escutcheons, the central motif depicting a lion on a stylized cloud-form base. I think the condition is fair to good. There are some staples in the joints of one of the small drawers that is bothersome. It originally had the segmented velvet drawer lining that holds rings and separates jewelry in this type of storage cabinet and it was removed and new simple velvet lining has been installed in the upper drawers. Dimensions: 35 inches tall by 31 inches wide by 20 inches deep
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 35 in (88.9 cm)Width: 31 in (78.74 cm)Depth: 20 in (50.8 cm)
  • Style:
    Chinese Export (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1940s
  • Condition:
    Replacements made: The tattered velvet lining has been restored in the upper drawers. Additions or alterations made to the original. Wear consistent with age and use. The original velvet lining of the drawers included little built in holders for rigs and other jewelry items. They were in such poor condition when we acquired the chest that we had the basic drawers re-lined in velvet for appearance.
  • Seller Location:
    Lomita, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU6651241294072

More From This Seller

View All
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 history through its design. The inside of the cabinet and the back side are covered in ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Brass

Meiji Style Antique Teakwood Dragon 20th Century
Located in Lomita, CA
The year of the dragon shines an additional spotlight on this beautiful antique teakwood sculpture. The detail and the patina are amazing. The hand carved dragon takes on a lifelike ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Teak

20th Century Famille Rose Jardiniere
Located in Lomita, CA
A beautiful Chinese export jardiniere in turquoise and teal with gilt touches is incredible. The interior of the jardiniere has a carp design and the exterior has figural scenes of l...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of 20th Century Temple Jars with Dragons, Marked
Located in Lomita, CA
This distinctive pair of dragon temple jars is worth collecting. The blue pattern and design on black ground of dragons are characteristic of the jar...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Elm Wood and Brass Korean Tansu Chest with Drawers
By Other Kingdom
Located in Lomita, CA
The patina on this elm wood tansu chest is reflective and deep. The brass also has had time to develop a deep patina that contrasts the elmwood. It mixes wonderfully with other perio...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Korean Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Chinese Foo Dog or Lion in Pink and Gray Hardstone mounted on a Pedestal
Located in Lomita, CA
Foo dogs normally travel in pairs, but this fellow is a lone wolf or dog and no less charming for it. This is beautiful Chinese hardstone in the deepest rose or pink tone with gray a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Quartz

You May Also Like

Japanese Lacquered Gourd Ikebana Vessel, with Storage Box, Mid-20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Large Japanese Lacquered Gourd Ikebana vessel with storage box, mid-20th century. Ikebana, the art of flower arrangement, is one of the most sublime ...
Category

20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Large Jade-Inset Wood Ruyi Scepter, 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A large Jade-Inset wood Ruyi scepter, 20th century, The dark wood scepter is inset with three shaped gray and russet jade plaques the largest carved in hi...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

20th Century Javanese Sculpture
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Fantastic 20th Century Javanese biomorphic sculpture. This beautiful, hand-carved sculpture depicts waves and floating figures with wonderful movement throughout. It is composed of...
Category

20th Century Indonesian Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Middle 20th century Old marble Ganesha statue - Original Buddhas
Located in DEVENTER, NL
This Old marble Ganesha statue is a magnificent work of art that embodies the essence of the elephant-headed deity, Lord Ganesha. Crafted from marble, it stands 29,8 cm tall, with di...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Marble

Pair Vintage Chinese Yellow Glazed Tall Foo Dogs, Mid 20th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A fun and colorful pair of vintage Chinese famille jaune glazed porcelain tall (15") foo dogs or foo lions, Chinese export, early to mid 20th century, China. The delightful pair of ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Enamel

Early 20th Century Chinese Immortal Deity Carved Foo Dog Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Intricately carved wood sculpture Chinese Immortal Longevity Buddha Deity Measures: 28.5 T x 7.5 D x 10 W inches Original Preowned Vintage Unrestored...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

Recently Viewed

View All