Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 21

Japanese Antique Low Board 1860s-1920s / Drawer Chest Meiji Tansu Wabisabi

Price:$1,350

$1,500List Price

About the Item

This is an antique Japanese chest of drawers that also functions beautifully as a lowboard. Its broad, low silhouette conveys a sense of stability, while the carefully arranged assortment of drawers in various sizes creates a refined and harmonious façade. Though understated in its design, the richly aged blackened wood and iron hardware lend the piece a quiet yet commanding presence that enhances any interior. It is believed to have been crafted during the Meiji to Taishō Period (1868–1926). Constructed from Japanese cedar (sugi) with iron drawer pulls, it reflects the thoughtful practicality of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The lightweight nature of cedar allowed artisans to create a cabinet with numerous drawers of different sizes, each intended to organize a variety of small everyday items. It is easy to imagine this piece serving as an essential storage cabinet in daily life more than a century ago. The design is simple, honest, and free from unnecessary ornamentation. The varied proportions and arrangement of the drawers create a subtle visual rhythm, giving the cabinet a sculptural quality despite its restrained appearance. Decades of use have gently worn the black surface, allowing the warm natural tones and expressive grain of the cedar beneath to emerge. This striking contrast between deep black and rich brown is not something that can be artificially reproduced; rather, it is a landscape painted by time itself. The iron pulls also display a soft, natural patina and gentle wear, further enriching the cabinet's character and authenticity. This is a piece that has clearly been cherished and carefully maintained over generations. The uneven texture of the wood, along with the small scratches and signs of wear, should not be regarded as imperfections, but as an honest record of its long history. Its low, elongated proportions make it exceptionally versatile, allowing it to serve beautifully as a lowboard, display cabinet, or nightstand. The spacious top provides an ideal surface for displaying ceramics, sculptures, books, or other carefully selected objects. All drawers open and close smoothly. The cabinet has been thoroughly cleaned, is free from woodworm damage, and remains in excellent antique condition. It is a remarkable piece that embodies the quiet beauty of Japanese wabi-sabi and the timeless elegance that emerges through generations of practical use. The piece will be carefully packed and shipped safely from Japan. Weight: 17 kg

Dimensions:
Height: 12.8 in (32.5 cm)Width: 27.96 in (71 cm)Depth: 12.6 in (32 cm)
Style:
Meiji (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Cedar,Iron,Woodwork
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1860s-1920s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Chōsei District Nagara, JP
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU10403251050792

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

$2,126

H 29.93 in W 31.5 in D 16.15 in

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 Small Chest of Drawers, Keio Era (Edo Period, 1867), Wabi Sabi

$500

H 12.21 in W 14.02 in D 9.22 in

Japanese Antique Small Chest of Drawers, Keio Era (Edo Period, 1867), Wabi Sabi

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

This antique small chest of drawers was crafted in the Keio Era (1867). Made from Japanese cedar and finished with traditional Japanese lacquer (urushi), the surface has developed a...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Wabi Sabi

$2,200

H 35.83 in W 35.83 in D 18.51 in

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Wabi Sabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This piece is a Japanese chest of drawers crafted during the late Meiji to early Taisho period. It is constructed from cedar wood, a material deeply rooted in Japanese architecture a...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi

$2,500

H 39.38 in W 32.68 in D 14.18 in

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is a very old drawer storage chest made in Japan. It dates back to the Meiji era (1860s–1920s) and is crafted from Japanese cedar wood. The metal fittings are made of iron. The...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer Meiji / Tansu Storage Wabisabi

$680

H 13.19 in W 18.9 in D 11.42 in

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer Meiji / Tansu Storage Wabisabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is a very old black-lacquered drawer storage unit made in Japan. Judging from the handle design, it appears to date from the Meiji period. It is very old. It comes with a lock. ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Drawer / Storage Tansu / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei

$1,500

H 24.41 in W 34.65 in D 14.18 in

Japanese Antique Drawer / Storage Tansu / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei

Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture

Overview An exceptional piece of Japanese history, this Meiji Period (1868–1912) Tansu showcases a rare and functional five-drawer layout. Crafted entirely from solid Sugi (Japanese ...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

1886 (Meiji 19) Japanese antique dougu tansu, tool chest of drawers wabi sabi

$1,550

H 20.08 in W 34.26 in D 15.75 in

1886 (Meiji 19) Japanese antique dougu tansu, tool chest of drawers wabi sabi

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

From Daigo, Ibaraki pref., Japan. Antique dougu tansu, tool chest of drawers made of Yamizo Sugi cedar made in the year 1886 (Meiji 19). "Yamizo Sugi" is a premium quality Sugi ced...

Category

Antique 1880s Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Cedar

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

$2,000

H 24.22 in W 35.83 in D 19.3 in

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 Wabi-Sabi Meiji Period Tansu Chest of Drawers

$3,451

H 30.12 in W 33.27 in D 23.82 in

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 Antique Small Chest of Drawers, Edo Era (Tenpō 1830-1844), Wabi-Sabi

$560Sale Price|30% Off

H 17.01 in W 18.9 in D 14.02 in

Japanese Antique Small Chest of Drawers, Edo Era (Tenpō 1830-1844), Wabi-Sabi

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

This antique small chest of drawers was crafted in the Edo Era (Tenpō 1830-1844). The aged urushi (Japanese lacquer), worn away in places, enhances the piece’s unique character and ...

Category

Antique 1840s Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

More From This Seller

View All

Japanese Antique Low Board 1860s-1920s / Drawer Chest Nightstand Wabi-Sabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is an antique Japanese lowboard with four drawers, dating from the Meiji to Taisho period (circa 1868–1926). Originally crafted as a practical piece of everyday furniture, its r...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Massive Drawer Chest 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is a huge old Japanese-made drawer storage. The furniture was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is made of cedar wood with rustic and practical iron hardware on the...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Small Drawer Chest 1860s-1900s / Nightstand Wabisabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is a small antique Japanese chest of drawers. Quietly understated yet unmistakably present, it has a simple and powerful character that brings depth to any space. It is believe...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Edo Period Japanese Large Drawer Chest 1800s-1860s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is a large antique Japanese chest of drawers, crafted during the Edo period (circa 1800s–1860s). At first glance, the piece conveys an unmistakable sense of solidity, strength, ...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Edo Period Japanese Black Drawer Chest 1800s-1860s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi-Sabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is an antique Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, handcrafted during the Edo period (circa 1800s–1860s). Distinguished by its orderly arrangement of fourteen drawers in varying siz...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Black Drawer Chest 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi Sabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is an old Japanese black drawer cabinet. Quietly standing in space, it brings a deep sense of balance and quiet tension without ever appearing overly assertive. It is believed ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Low Board 1860s-1920s / Drawer Chest Meiji Tansu Wabisabi

About the Item

You May Also Like

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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

Antique 1880s Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Antique 1840s Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

More From This Seller

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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

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

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers