Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MEIJI STYLE
From 1868 to 1912, Emperor Mutsuhito oversaw an era of transformation in Japan. Formerly a country of feudalism and isolation, Japan entered an age of modernization influenced by newly established trade and exchange with the West. The Meiji period, or period of “enlightened rule,” also saw the global impact of the East Asian country’s culture. Japanese Meiji furniture was exhibited at expositions from Paris to San Francisco and created for export.
Prior to the Meiji era, furniture was mostly made by commission for the ruling class; now there were new domestic and international markets. European styles like Japonisme appropriated Japanese design while craftsmen in places like Wales and England employed japanning, a varnishing technique that approximated the appearance of lacquer for the surfaces of furnishings.
Meiji furniture made for Japanese homes and buildings constructed in Western styles resulted in taller tables, chairs, cabinets with large drawers and other features. The government invested in areas such as transportation and communication, and because people could freely choose occupations after the restrictions of feudalism, industries of various types were energized by expressive new ideas during those years. Art schools were formed and, for the first time, design was an area of study in the country, leading to the evolution of professional design as a career by the 1890s.
The work of Japanese designers was transmitted widely through lavishly illustrated pattern books that included designs for screens and lacquerware for the home. While screens today may be of use as decorative accents or partitions to ensure privacy in one’s space, Japanese screens were adorned with paintings and were featured in performing arts such as concerts, tea ceremonies and more. The color illustrations that characterize Meiji woodblock prints, a genre of Japanese art that grew out of 17th-century developments in printing and book publishing, depicted the sweeping changes that the era brought to East Asia.
Although it was a time of societal and cultural shifts, a bolstered interest in art and design elevated Japanese craft traditions. From colorful porcelain table lamps with silk shades and hardwood tables decorated with dark lacquer to cabinets featuring iron hardware and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, Meiji furniture showcased Japan’s artistic heritage to the world.
Find a collection of antique Japanese Meiji period case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Meiji
Large Japanese Keyaki Wood Iron Mounted Tansu Chest with 8 Drawers
Located in San Francisco, CA
An outstanding Meiji period Japanese keyaki wood (elm) tansu of large size with 8 drawers, 3 large 2 medium and 3 small, and 2 cabinets with small interior drawers. The piece has iro...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Black Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account consists of five companies,
We specialize in Japanese antiques and select carefully selected items.
With 20 years of experience, we offer Japanese antiques from our uniq...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Chests of Drawers"tansu", Meiji Era'1868-1912', Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique chests of drawers was crafted in the Late Meiji Era(1868-1912).
Crafted from cedar wood, it boasts a rustic allure, perfect for those seeking ample storage space. Ideal...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer storage.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of cedar wood.
The handles are made of iron.
The design is ultimately simple...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Black Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese black drawer storage.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
Material is cedar wood.
The handles are made of iron.
The design is ultimately simple a...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Drawer / Tansu Storage / Meiji Period Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese drawer.
It seems to be around the Meiji period (1868-1912s).
It is made of cedar, and the front of the drawer peels off the paint due to friction due to agi...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account is made up of five companies,
I specialize in selecting carefully selected items, specializing in Japanese antiques.
Based on my 20 years of experience, I offer a unique...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Small Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account consists of 5 companies.
As for me, I am a selector specializing in Japanese antiques.
With 20 years of experience, we can offer you new Japanese antiques from our uniqu...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Vertical Chest Of Drawers, Meiji Era'1868-1912', Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This is a Japanese vertical chest of drawers crafted during the Meiji era (1868–1912).
This chest of drawers is designed with vertical proportions that make it stand out in both fun...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Chests Of Drawers / Tansu Storage / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese cabinet.
It seems to be around the Meiji period, and the material is made of cedar.
There are 20 drawers of 3 different sizes.
The handle is a black metal ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Black Box 1860s-1920s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old box made in Japan.
The furniture was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1920s).
The material is cedar wood and the metal fittings...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Chests Of Drawers, Meiji Era'1868-1912', Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This is a Japanese chest of drawers crafted during the Meiji era (1868-1912).
Featuring a slim design, it offers practical storage with six drawers.
The wood shows areas where the f...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Large Black Tansu /Drawer Cabinet Storage /1868-1912s Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese black chest of drawers.
In Japan, it is called "Tansu".
It seems to be around the Meiji period, and the material is made of cedar.
It is a very simple desi...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Drawer / Tansu Peddler Chest of drawers / 1868-1912s Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese drawer.
I think it is a called "Peddler's Tansu", which is used by merchants to carry goods far away.
"Peddler" refers to carrying and retailing products wi...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Wabisabi Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account consists of 5 companies,
About me, I am a selector specializing in Japanese antiques.
With 20 years of experience, I will propose new Japanese antiques from my unique po...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Lacquered Small Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account consists of five companies,
We specialize in Japanese antiques and select carefully selected items.
With 20 years of experience, we offer Japanese antiques from our uniq...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Lacquer, Cedar
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer storage.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of cedar wood.
The handles are made of iron.
The design is ultimately simple...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Compact Chest, Meiji Era '1868-1912'Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This compact chest was crafted in the Meiji Era (1868-1912).
It features a handle on top, making it easy to carry or reposition as needed.
The aged patina of the wood highlights i...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Small Drawer Chest, Meiji Era'1868-1912'Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique small drawer chest was crafted in the Late Meiji Era(1868-1912).
A small chest of drawers finished in traditional Japanese lacquer (urushi).
The unique texture, cultiva...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer.
This furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of cedar wood.
The drawer is tasteful, rustic, simple and beautiful.
There is no wa...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account consists of five companies,
Regarding me, I specialize in Japanese antiques and select carefully selected items.
With 20 years of experience, we offer Japanese antiques ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Black Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese black drawer storage.
This was a chest of drawers primarily used to store women's combs and cosmetics.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
Materia...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Huge Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese huge drawer storage.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
Material is cedar wood.
The handles are made of iron.
We found a rare piece of furniture...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
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
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Wabisabi Drawer 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Storage Tansu Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a very old Japanese drawer.
It was built from the late Edo period to the Meiji period (1820-1912).
It is furniture that was used in shops rather than being used in ordinary hom...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer storage.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of cedar wood and pine.
The handles are made of iron.
This is almost in its o...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar, Pine
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s/Chest of Drawers Wabisabi Art
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is an old Japanese drawer.
It is an item of the Meiji era (1860s-1920s)
The material is cedar.
The shade of brown is beautiful and the taste is wonderful.
The drawer also ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
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 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).
Material is cedar wood.
The handles are made of iron.
The design is ultimately simple and lea...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Wabi Sabi Small Drawer 1860s-1900s
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer.
This furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of cedar wood.
The round handles are made of iron.
These drawers are tasteful, rust...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Late Meiji Japanese Keyaki Merchant Tansu Chest with Iron Fittings
Located in Yonkers, NY
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 adorne...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Wabisabi Drawer 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Storage Tansu Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a very old Japanese drawer.
It was built from the late Edo period to the Meiji period (1820-1912).
It is furniture that was used in shops rather than being used in ordinary hom...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Wabisabi Drawer 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Storage Tansu Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a very old Japanese drawer.
It was built from the late Edo period to the Meiji period (1820-1912).
It is furniture that was used in shops rather than being used in ordinary hom...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Chests Of Drawers, Meiji Era'1868-1912'Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique chests of drawers was crafted in the Late Meiji Era(1868-1912).
This Japanese chest of drawers, crafted during the Meiji era, is a timeless piece that tells a story of ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese antique, black small drawer box, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This small drawer is a valuable antique from the Meiji period of Japan. (1868-1912)
It is made of high-quality "Kiri wood"(paulownia wood) and is coated with a deep black paint, acc...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Tansu 1860s-1900s / Storage Drawer
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese tasteful Tansu.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
The main materials are zelkova and cedar wood.
The handles are made of iron.
The de...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cedar
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
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Meiji Period 19th Century Tansu Chest with Sliding Chest and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
Japanese Meiji period Tansu clothing chest from the 19th century with two sliding doors, six drawers, iron hardware and custom finish. A captivating blend of tradition and artistry, ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Meiji Period 19th Century Sendai Type Tansu Chest with Drawers and Safe
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period Sendai type tansu chest from the 19th century with ornate iron hardware, six exterior drawers and safe. Discover the intricate beauty and functional elegance ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Meiji 19th Century Cha Tansu Kiri Wood Tea Cabinet with Doors, Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period kiri wood cha tansu tea cabinet from the 19th century, with sliding doors, multiple drawers and brass hardware. Created in Japan during the Meiji period in the 19th century, this tansu chest is made of kiri wood (also known as Paulownia Tomentosa or Princess Tree), a Japanese wood commonly used for the creation of Tansus. It is a light-weight wood...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass, Iron
Japanese Meiji Period 19th Century Isho Dansu Clothing Chest with Brown Lacquer
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period Isho Dansu clothing chest from the 19th century, with six drawers, iron hardware and professionally refreshed brown lacquer. Created...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Antique Wood Chest
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful antique chest with remnants of the original color. We only source the best.
This bench was sourced in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a J...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
Antique Japanese Tansu Campaign Style Clothing Chest
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an antique Asian Tansu campaign style stacking clothing chest. It has a lacquered burnt orange finish and hand forged hardware with fish motif. This is a 19th century piece a...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Ogi Ishō, Dansu Japanese Two Pieces Tansu of Late Meiji Era
Located in Torino, IT
This early 20th century Japanese clothing chest from Sado Island produced in the late Meiji Era. It consists of two pieces decorated with very ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Meiji Zebra Wood Tansu Chest in Isho-Dansu Style with Five Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period single section tansu clothing chest from the late 19th century in Isho-dansu style, with zebra wood, five drawers and carrying handles. Created in Japan during the Meiji period in the later years of the 19th century, this wooden Isho-dansu clothing chest features a linear silhouette perfectly complimented by a dark zebra wood grain. The organized façade showcases five drawers (three large ones followed by two smaller ones at the bottom), each fitted with iron hardware made of C-scroll handles and a central lock. Tansus were portable chests...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
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
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese 19th Century Meiji Period Brown and Black Tansu Clothing Chest
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period tansu clothing chest from the 19th century, with black and brown patina. Created in Japan during the 19th century, this tansu chest features a rectangular top sitting above seven drawers surrounding a side door hiding additional drawers. Boasting brown, black and dark red tones, the chest showcases lateral handles allowing the piece to be moved more easily. With its clean lines and complimenting colors, this 19th century Japanese Meiji tansu...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Japanese Meiji Period Tansu Chest in the Sendai Dansu Style Made of Keyaki Wood
Located in Torino, IT
This 19th-century Japanese Tansu clothing chest produced in the Meiji period is made of Japanese cedar wood (cryptomeria Japonica) in its inner parts, while for the outer parts it is...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese 19th Century Lacquered Sendai Clothing Tansu with Elaborate Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji 19th century double-section Sendai clothing tansu (Isho-dansu) with drawers and elaborate hand cut iron hardware. Born during the 19th ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Japanese Meiji 19th Century Kuruma Tansu Lacquered Chest with Safe on Wheels
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period merchant's Kuruma tansu chest from the 19th century, with four large drawers and a lateral door concealing additional drawers. Created in Japan during the 19t...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Meiji commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Meiji commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage commodes and chests of drawers created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, cedar and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji commodes and chests of drawers made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original commodes and chests of drawers, popular names associated with this style include and Andrianna Shamaris. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for commodes and chests of drawers differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $400 and tops out at $25,650 while the average work can sell for $1,500.