Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 18

Late Meiji Japanese Keyaki Merchant Tansu Chest with Iron Fittings

$6,800
£5,180.56
€5,973.39
CA$9,516.46
A$10,633.06
CHF 5,562.27
MX$130,395.41
NOK 71,075.25
SEK 67,398.17
DKK 44,582.65
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

A Japanese Meiji merchant's tansu chest from the late 19th century with iron hardware. This late Meiji-period Japanese merchant’s chest, crafted from keyaki (Japanese elm) and adorned with intricate iron fittings, embodies the refined craftsmanship and functionality characteristic of its time. The bold, flowing grain of the keyaki wood lends the piece a natural warmth and durability, while the darkened iron accents provide a striking visual contrast. Designed with four drawers, two smaller external drawers, and two concealed internal drawers behind a hinged door, this tansu offers a practical yet elegant storage solution. Ideal for anchoring a room, this chest can serve as a functional and decorative focal point. In a living room, its drawers can be used to neatly organize blankets, books, or board games, while its surface becomes a stage for cherished decor or art. In a bedroom, it transitions seamlessly into a spacious dresser, capable of housing clothing and accessories, with smaller drawers perfect for jewelry or keepsakes. For those with a passion for history, this tansu could be displayed as a conversation piece in an entryway or study, showcasing its rich heritage and exquisite detail. The late Meiji period was a time of evolving aesthetics, blending traditional Japanese design with Western influences. This chest captures that transitional elegance, making it not just a utilitarian object but a timeless work of art. Its balance of beauty and functionality, combined with its history, allows it to integrate into modern interiors while maintaining its authentic charm. Whether serving as storage or as a striking piece of decor, this Japanese tansu brings a sense of history and craftsmanship into any home.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 35 in (88.9 cm)Width: 46.5 in (118.11 cm)Depth: 17 in (43.18 cm)
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Elm,Iron,Lacquered
  • Place of Origin:
    Japan
  • Period:
    Late 19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1868–1912
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Please refer to the various additional photos for further condition details and contact us with any questions!
  • Seller Location:
    Yonkers, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: YN8091 / FEA Home1stDibs: LU863942493152

More From This Seller

View All
Early Meiji Keyaki Sendai Isho-Dansu Chest with Iron Hardware and Storage
Located in Yonkers, NY
An early Meiji period Sendai Isho-dansi chest from circa 1860-1880 with eight drawers, petite door and dark patina. This early Meiji-period Sendai Isho-dansu is a striking example of...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Early Meiji Keyaki Sendai Isho-Dansu Chest with Iron Hardware and Storage

Early Meiji Keyaki Sendai Isho-Dansu Chest with Iron Hardware and Storage

$7,800
Japanese Meiji Period Late 19th Century Isho-Dansu Chest with Iron Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period two-part tansu chest from the late 19th century with dark red lacquer, iron hardware, small safe and carrying handles. Created in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), this wooden chest called an Isho-Dansu chest is a fine example of Japan's traditional mobile cabinetry. Tansus were portable chests...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Meiji Period Late 19th Century Isho-Dansu Chest with Iron Hardware

Japanese Meiji Period Late 19th Century Isho-Dansu Chest with Iron Hardware

$6,900
Japanese 19th Century Keyaki Wood Isho Dansu Clothing Chest with Iron Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese 19th century keyaki wood Sendai clothing tansu with four drawers and elaborate hand-cut iron hardware. Born during the 19th century in the Sendai prefecture, this exquisit...
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese 19th Century Keyaki Wood Isho Dansu Clothing Chest with Iron Hardware

Japanese 19th Century Keyaki Wood Isho Dansu Clothing Chest with Iron Hardware

$8,800
Japanese Taishō Tansu Chest in Isho-Dansu Style with Six Drawers and Safe
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Taisho period single section tansu clothing chest from the early 20th century in Isho-dansu style, with six drawers, safe, carrying handles and dark patina. Created in Japan during the Taisho period in the early years of the 20th century, this wooden Isho-dansu clothing chest features a linear silhouette perfectly complimented by a dark finish. The organized façade showcases six drawers (three large ones followed by two medium size and a smaller one), each fitted with iron hardware made of C-scroll handles and a central lock. The lower right section presents the safe, which opens to reveal additional drawers. Tansus were portable chests...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Taishō Tansu Chest in Isho-Dansu Style with Six Drawers and Safe

Japanese Taishō Tansu Chest in Isho-Dansu Style with Six Drawers and Safe

$5,800
Japanese Taishō Period Early 20th Century Tansu Chest with Five Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Taisho period antique tansu chest from the early 20th century with five drawers and iron hardware. Created in Japan during the Taisho period, this tansu chest features a s...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Japanese Taishō Period Early 20th Century Tansu Chest with Five Drawers

Japanese Taishō Period Early 20th Century Tansu Chest with Five Drawers

$4,500
Japanese Meiji Period Keyaki Wood Tansu Clothing Chest in the Sendai Style
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period keyaki wood Sendai tansu clothing chest from the late 19th century, with hand-cut iron hardware and safe box. Created in the Sendai Prefecture during the last quarter of the 19th century, this keyaki (elm) wood tansu is a fine example of Japan's traditional mobile cabinetry. Featuring a lacquered finish with reddish brown tones, the chest showcases a rectangular top, sitting above a perfectly organized façade. A long upper...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Cabinets

Materials

Iron

Japanese Meiji Period Keyaki Wood Tansu Clothing Chest in the Sendai Style

Japanese Meiji Period Keyaki Wood Tansu Clothing Chest in the Sendai Style

$11,800

You May Also Like

Antique Early 1900s Meiji Period Japanese Tansu Chest
Located in Centennial, CO
A stunning antique Meiji period early 1900s Japanese Tansu chest with original hardware and working keys. Lacquered dark stained pine comprises the outside casework while oxblood lac...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Antique Early 1900s Meiji Period Japanese Tansu Chest

Antique Early 1900s Meiji Period Japanese Tansu Chest

$2,495
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 ...
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Wabi-Sabi Meiji Period Tansu Chest of Drawers

Japanese Wabi-Sabi Meiji Period Tansu Chest of Drawers

$3,414
19th Century Japanese Meiji Era Tansu Merchant Chest
Located in Fort Collins, CO
Constructed from Cypress and Elm, this merchant’s chest features blackened iron hardware with two thick handles on the top of the piece for ease of transport. It features 8 drawers, ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Cabinets

Materials

Iron

19th Century Japanese Meiji Era Tansu Merchant Chest

19th Century Japanese Meiji Era Tansu Merchant Chest

$3,100
Japanese antique wooden drawers/1868-1920/tasteful chest
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a wooden drawer made of cedar wood from the Meiji and Taisho periods (circa 1868-1920) in Japan. The warm texture peculiar to cedar wood stands out, and the rustic simplicit...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese antique wooden drawers/1868-1920/tasteful chest

Japanese antique wooden drawers/1868-1920/tasteful chest

$1,200
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese small drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). This is a "Shonai chest" chest made in the Tohoku region of Japan. It is chara...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi

$2,000
Japanese Antique BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The main material is cedar wood. The handles are made of iron. The design is ultimately simpl...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabi Sabi

Japanese Antique BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabi Sabi

$800

More Ways To Browse

Japan Chest
Japanese Hardware
Antique Jewelry Chest
Tansu Furniture
Japanese Iron Meiji
Japanese Tansu Furniture
Japanese Tansu
Japanese Tansus
Antique Japanese Lacquer Cabinet
Antique Iron Jewelry
Japanese Meiji Cabinet
Antique Tansu
Commode Japan
Japanese Display Case
Tansu Cabinet
Antique Iron Board
Antique Japanese Tansu
Display Cabinet Japanese
View All Popular Commodes and Chests of Drawers Searches