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Japanese Antique Drawer / Storage Tansu / 1900-1930s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei

$1,200
£897.29
€1,047.99
CA$1,686
A$1,707.59
CHF 980.92
MX$20,706.71
NOK 11,378.59
SEK 11,582.10
DKK 7,834.82

About the Item

A rare and thoughtfully designed early 20th-century Japanese Sugi (Cedar) chest, featuring a curated layout of nine drawers in two distinct, functional sizes. Crafted during the transition between the Meiji and Taisho eras, this piece exemplifies the "Mingei" (folk art) tradition of merging everyday utility with a soulful aesthetic. Unlike standard uniform grids, this chest is intelligently organized with two different drawer dimensions. This intentional variation allowed for the specialized storage of diverse items—likely for a merchant or an apothecary—adding a layer of sophisticated, calculated asymmetry to its minimalist facade. The chest is constructed from solid Sugi (Japanese Cedar), a wood revered for its evocative scent, lightness, and striking vertical grain. Over a century, the cedar has developed a rich, honeyed patina that glows with an authentic "Wabi-sabi" charm. Each of the nine drawers is fitted with its original hand-forged iron "cup" pulls, whose dark, rugged texture provides a grounded contrast to the organic warmth of the wood. This "Tansu" is more than just a storage piece; it is a sculptural record of early 20th-century Japanese craftsmanship. Its dual-sized drawer configuration makes it an exceptionally versatile organizer for a modern study, a jewelry collection, or as a focal accent in a contemporary interior that values history and intentional design. Weight: 17.1kg
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 17.72 in (45 cm)Width: 33.86 in (86 cm)Depth: 16.15 in (41 cm)
  • Style:
    Taisho (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1900-1930
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU9601248958682

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