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Japanese Antique Tansu Chest of Drawers, Early Meiji Era ‘1868–1912’, Wabi Sabi
About the Item
This Japanese antique chest of drawers was crafted in the Early Meiji Era (1868–1912).
The form is simple and unadorned, reflecting its origins as a practical storage piece.
A notable feature is the slender iron handles. Their irregular shape and hand-forged character clearly express the marks of handwork, offering a strong indication of the piece’s age.
The surface presents a deep brown to near-black tone, developed over time through traditional protective finishes such as pine soot (shōen) and kakishibu (persimmon tannin). Rather than a uniform color, it carries subtle variations that speak to its long history.
Signs of long use remain throughout, with areas of wear where the underlying wood emerges beneath the aged surface. These marks reflect years of everyday use.
Edges and corners have softened with time, forming a gentle outline shaped by repeated touch.
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-related wear including scratches, abrasions, dents, and marks consistent with age and use
- Fading and wear to the finish are present throughout
- Minor surface irregularities and natural wood movement are present
- Drawers open and close smoothly
Cleaned gently with water only.
As an authentic Late Meiji–period piece (1868–1912), this chest shows natural signs of age inherent to Japanese antique furniture. Characteristics such as surface wear, fading to the finish, dents, and natural wood movement are reflections of its history and authenticity, not defects. Please review all photos carefully—condition details are visible in the images—and feel free to contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Interior dimensions:
W: 31.3" (79.5 cm)
D: 13.2" (33.5 cm)
H: 5.4" / 6.7" / 7.5" / 8.5" (13.8 / 17 / 19 / 21.5 cm)
Weight: 44.8 lbs (20.3 kg)
Shipping Information:
We ship from Japan. I will provide my own shipping quote. Please ask.
Import duties, taxes, and customs fees are the responsibility of the buyer.
Approach to Selection and Restoration: Each piece is individually selected through our own eye, then restored to reveal its most compelling state. Movement, stability, and surface are considered as one—shaped through practice to be lived with naturally, honoring the wood’s natural patina while avoiding environmentally harsh chemical strippers or forceful abrasion.
- Dimensions:Height: 33.27 in (84.5 cm)Width: 32.92 in (83.6 cm)Depth: 15.63 in (39.7 cm)
- Style:Meiji (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1900
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. As an authentic Late Meiji–period piece, this chest shows natural age-appropriate wear. It remains structurally sound, and all drawers operate smoothly for everyday use.
- Seller Location:Hitachiomiya-shi, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7430249422022
About the Seller
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