Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Pair of Assembled Tansu Chests in Burl and Elm with Brass, for Office or Home

$6,750per item
£5,106.84per item
€5,894.08per item
CA$9,427.87per item
A$10,481.99per item
CHF 5,486.69per item
MX$128,558.17per item
NOK 69,859.45per item
SEK 65,955.60per item
DKK 43,983.58per item
Quantity
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

The top Tansu chest is mahogany burl from Japan. The lower chest is elm. Together, they make a refined and somewhat dramatic design statement as end tables in an office or as nightstands in a bedroom. The top chest presents beautifully and offers a glimpse into history through its design. The inside of the cabinet and the back side are covered in Chinese calligraphy that retraces conflict between the private armies of feudal overlords and peasants in rebellion at the end of the Han dynasty. The writing is in literary style. The narrative tells the story of the ruling class during the last democratic government in China, according to the translator. Tansu chests were typically made in ancient Japan in the 19th to 20th century. This one is most likely from around 1920 to 1940. The style of this chest is particular as it features calligraphy motifs, which are rare and unusual, although there are examples in the market. These chests were traditionally used in Japan to store personal and household objects. The lower chest is made of elm and was produced in Korea. It has developed a beautiful patina. The brass also has had time to develop a deep patina that contrasts the elmwood. It mixes wonderfully with other periods and styles--a great accent piece. This majestic tansu chest has two top drawers and a main storage area below. It is late 19th century. The case with engraved brass has hardware fitted with two short drawers over two cupboard doors opening to a cabinet area over a shaped skirt, all raised on short curved feet. The front of the chest, engraved and embellished with brass hinges is dramatic. Each chest may be purchased separately. The word "tansu" generally refers to Japanese furniture, but the precise meaning translates to chest or container. The chests originated during the Edo period around 1603 in Japan. The lower chest measures 22.5 inches wide, the depth is 15 inches. The height is 22.75 inches.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 22.75 in (57.79 cm)Width: 28 in (71.12 cm)Depth: 15 in (38.1 cm)
  • Style:
    Chinese Export (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1920
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Lomita, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU6651234063862

More From This Seller

View All
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

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

20th Century Vintage Jewelry Storage Mahogany Tansu Chest with Original Lock
Located in Lomita, CA
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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Brass

Louis XV Style Vintage Pair of Ormolu Parquetry 1950s Nightstands
Located in Lomita, CA
This pair of French style Louis XV nightstands are spectacular. The silhouette is beautiful with the elegant legs that rest on "little shoes." They are from the mid 20th century. The set is constructed from kingwood veneered banded inlaid wood, and accented with ormolu, mounted on bombe two-drawer stands. They were made in Egypt...
Category

20th Century Egyptian Louis XIV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Ormolu

Black Lacquer and Rosewood Cabinet with Soapstone and Bone Inlay
Located in Lomita, CA
This cabinet makes a dramatic statement in black lacquer with rich rosewood trim and brass pulls. But the whimsical figural bone inlay carvings are what makes this most memorable. Th...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets

Materials

Lacquer

American of Martinsville Vintage Burl Wood, Cherry and Walnut 3-Drawer Cabinet
By American of Martinsville
Located in Lomita, CA
The detail, the shape, the walnut touches and the Georgian design make this American of Martinsville vintage cabinet a must-have for collectors. This cabinet stands out thanks to its...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Georgian Cabinets

Materials

Walnut, Burl

You May Also Like

Chinese Burl Wood and Gold Armoire/Chest of Drawers
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Introduce a touch of Asian elegance to your home with this exquisite Chinese Burl Wood and Gold Armoire. Featuring intricate gold hardware accents that contrast beautifully with the ...
Category

Vintage 1970s Chinese Dressers

Materials

Burl

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-out drawers and an open space.
Category

Antique 1890s Korean Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Vintage Asian Rosewood Tansu Chest Nightstand or End Table with Brass Hardware
By James Mont
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This unique, petite Asian chest is made of rosewood and decorated with ornate Korean brass. The combination of the richly figured rosewood grain and detailed brass ornaments give thi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique Korean Elm Brass Bound Bandaji Nong Tansu Scholars Chest Wedding Cabinet
Located in Dayton, OH
Fine Mid 19th century Korean Tansu Nong Bandaji tallboy chest. Made from Zelkova Elm frame with brass accents. Acquired from Moby Dicks Maritime Antiques in the 1970s. The Korean ...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Korean Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Antique Korean Tansu Butterfly Cabinet or Chest Elm Wood with Brass Inlay
Located in Plainview, NY
A stunning late 19th century Campaign Korean tansu cabinet or chest. The Korean chest features 4 small drawers on top of a two door cabinet offeri...
Category

Antique 19th Century Korean Campaign Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Korean Elm and Brass Mounted Tonsu Blanket Storage Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique Korean Blanket chest, elaborately decorated with ornate brass mounts in various geometric forms, some of which have incised landsc...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Korean Tang Cabinets

Materials

Brass