Tansu - Japanese Antique Furniture

Japanese tansu are much more than items of furniture. Tansu, extraordinary and versatile wooden cabinetry, dating as far back as 7th-century Japan, represent a rich folk heritage unique in the world. Although created primarily for function and portability, Japanese tansu furniture reflects equally the masterful craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility found in the finest Japanese art and design.

At Jtansu and www.jcollector.com you will find one of the widest selections of high-quality tansu and other fine Japanese furniture online. Examples include mizuya or kitchen tansu, choba or merchant tansu, kaidan or step tansu, clothing tansu, kimono tansu, funa or ship tansu, sword tansu, futon tansu, display tansu, tea tansu, getabako or shoe tansu, book tansu, trunks, ranma and more.

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Japanese Merchant Tansu, Choba Dansu - TJ9JU112A

Our Price: $995.00
Sale Price: $895.00

Excellent Japanese choba-dansu or merchant chest tansu, Meiji period c. 1868-1912. Traditional design, featuring a pair of drawers and beautiful slatted paneled cabinet. Merchant chests were traditionally used by shop merchants to store valuable goods or documents, account books and paper goods. To impress the customers, they were always well designed and constructed of fine, sturdy materials. Fashioned of warm, golden cypress and cedar woods. A great example of merchant tansu craftsmanship. Very good condition. Dimensions: 21� high, 32.5� wide, 14� deep.

Japanese Choba Merchant Tansu - TJ9JU112B

Our Price: $2,195.00
Sale Price: $1,995.00

Superb Japanese choba-dansu or merchant chest tansu, Meiji period c. 1868-1912. Traditional design, featuring multiple drawers, beautiful slatted and hinged cabinets. Merchant chests were traditionally used by shop merchants to store valuable goods or documents, account books and paper goods. To impress the customers, they were always well designed and constructed of fine, sturdy materials. Fashioned of warm, golden cypress and cedar woods. A great example of merchant tansu craftsmanship. Very good condition. Dimensions: 36� high, 32.5� wide, 14� deep.

Japanese Kiri Isho Dansu Clothing Tansu - TJ9JU110

Our Price: $795.00
Sale Price: $695.00

Handsome Japanese isho-dansu or clothing chest tansu, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Bold chest features golden, lightweight kiri wood, subtle inset metalwork and attractive bracketing. �Deep, long drawers offer generous storage space. �A fine example of traditional tansu craftsmanship. Very good condition. Dimensions: 20� high, 35� wide, 15� deep.

Japanese Clothing Tansu, Isho of Kiri Wood

Japanese Clothing Tansu, Isho of Kiri Wood - TJ9JU114A

Our Price: $595.00
Sale Price: $450.00

Delightful Japanese clothing chest tansu, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Fine, lightweight kiri (paulownia) and cedar woods. �Two deep drawers offer substantial storage. �Delicate metalwork features gracefully formed warabite handles which echo the natural arc of the warabi, the Japanese mountain fern for which they are named. A delightful piece of traditional tansu craftsmanship, and a fine example of the beauty and functionality found in the Japanese style. Very good condition. �Dimensions: 20� high, 35� wide, 15� deep.

Japanese Clothing Tansu, Kiri Isho Dansu

Japanese Clothing Tansu, Kiri Isho Dansu - TJ9JU15

SOLD
Our Price: $895.00
Sale Price: $795.00

Fine Japanese clothing chest tansu, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Substantial chest fashioned of warm, lightweight kiri (paulownia) and finely grained cedar woods. Abundant, dramatic traditional metalwork features bold, circular lockplates with kiri leaf motif and graceful bracketing, making this a rare example of tansu craftsmanship. Long, deep drawers and cabinet at base offer generous storage space . A sublime and functional piece exhibiting Japanese style and tradition. Very good condition. �Dimensions: 21� high, 36.5� wide, 16.5� deep.

Japanese Isho Clothing Tansu - TJ9JU16

SOLD
Our Price: $895.00
Sale Price: $795.00

Japanese Clothing Tansu, Kiri - TJ9JU19

Our Price: $795.00
Sale Price: $695.00

Striking Japanese isho-dansu or clothing chest tansu, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Bold chest features golden, lightweight kiri wood, subtle inset metalwork and attractive bracketing. �Deep, long drawers offer generous storage space. �A fine example of traditional tansu craftsmanship. Very good condition. Dimensions: 20� high, 35� wide, 15� deep.

Japanese Cha-Dansu Tea Tansu, Cherry Wood - TC9J252

Our Price: $1,295.00

Excellent two-section Japanese cha-dansu or tea tansu, Showa period, early 20th century. Dramatic, exquisitely grained cherry and kiri (paulownia) wood combination. Fabulous design accents within the central display area include silk-covered cabinet and rustic shelf. Traditionally used to store/display items associated with the tea ceremony, this elegant chest features several sets of sliding panel and hinged doors as well as deep, roomy drawers as alternate options for enclosed storage. Light, graceful metalwork adds to the overall appeal of this refined piece. A truly beautiful example of traditional tea tansu craftsmanship. Very good condition. Dimensions: 56� high, 31� wide, 14� deep.

Japanese Step Tansu, Kaidan Dansu - TC9J253

Our Price: $4,995.00

Outstanding, rustic, two-section Japanese seven-step, kaidan-dansu or step chest tansu, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Fashioned wholly from richly grained cedar and sturdy cypress woods. Simple, fine ironwork featuring traditional warabite style drawer handles. The deep steps provide a beautiful platform for books, plants or display pieces. Impressive size, sturdy yet graceful with varied and abundant storage space in drawers and cupboards. Very good condition. Dimensions: 83.5� high, 55� wide, 24� deep.

Japanese Getabako Shoe Tansu - TC9J254

Our Price: $1,495.00

Exceptional Japanese getabako shoe tansu, early Showa period, c. 1930-1940. Original use was likely as a kitchen tansu for storage of kitchen utensils and supplies, but makes a great shoe chest, traditionally kept at the entryway of a house to store shoes removed while at home. Fashioned entirely of richly grained cedar and sturdy cypress woods. Hinged panels above and middle slide open reveal ample storage space and drawers below provide further options. �Very good condition. Dimensions:

Japanese Kitchen Chest, Mizuya Tansu - TC9J255

Our Price: $3,295.00

Beautiful and substantial Japanese two-section mizuya-dansu or kitchen chest, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Traditionally used to store kitchen utensils and supplies. �Gorgeous combination of lovely cedar and sturdy cypress. Elegant, eye-catching construction offers huge storage space in large cabinet above, smaller one below along with varied drawers for additional storage options. Warabite form drawer pulls. A rare and dramatic example of superb Japanese tansu craftsmanship. �Very good condition. Dimensions: 61� high, 61� wide, 16.25� deep.

Japanese Kitchen Tansu, Cypress Mizuya - TJ9JU17

Our Price: $2,995.00
Sale Price: $2,795.00

Beautiful Japanese two-section mizuya-dansu or kitchen chest tansu, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Traditionally used to store kitchen utensils and supplies. Lovely varied design. Wonderful combination of finely grained cedar and cypress woods. Configuration offers abundant storage space in large and smaller cupboards housed by sliding paneled doors. Multiple drawers offer additional storage options. Distinctive ring-style drawer pulls. A lovely work of kitchen tansu craftsmanship and a beautiful example of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. �Very good condition. Dimensions: 67.75� high, 47.25� wide, 19.5� deep.

Japanese Choba Dansu Merchant Tansu - TC9J436

Our Price: $4,495.00

Rare and fabulous Japanese two-piece choba-dansu or merchant chest tansu, Meiji period c. 1868-1912. Exceptional design, one we rarely see, featuring three slatted-paneled cabinets with a variety of drawers inside. Merchant chests were traditionally used by shop merchants to store valuable goods or documents, account books and paper goods. To impress the customers, they were always well designed and constructed of fine, sturdy materials. Fashioned of warm, golden cypress and cedar woods. A great example of merchant tansu craftsmanship. Very good condition. Dimensions: 63.5� high, 40.5� wide, 19.5� deep.

Japanese Trunk Tansu, Naga Mouchi, Edo Period

Japanese Trunk Tansu, Naga Mouchi, Edo Period - TP9J241

Our Price: $1,895.00

Exceptional Japanese Naga Mouchi lacquer cedar wood trunk, late Edo period, c. 1800-1868. Deep red lacquer finish. Great lockplate and ironwork. Spacious storage area inside and drawers below. Perfect at the foot of a bed or as an eye-catching display piece. Mild distress due to age and use, but overall in very good condition. Clearly a much loved and utilized piece! Dimensions: 24� high, 33� wide, 16� deep.

Japanese Trunk Tansu, Naga Mouchi, MeijiPeriod

Japanese Trunk Tansu, Naga Mouchi, Meiji - TP9J242

Our Price: $3,995.00

Superb Japanese Naga Mouchi lacquer cedar wood trunk, early Meiji period, c. 1870. Deep red lacquer finish. Great lockplate and ironwork. Spacious storage area inside. Some distress due to age and use, but overall in very good condition. Dimensions: 32� high, 52� wide,24� deep.

Japanese Clothing Tansu, Isho with Metalwork - TJ9J14

SOLD
Our Price: $1,595.00
Sale Price: $1,395.00

Dynamic Japanese two-section clothing chest tansu, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Substantial chest fashioned of warm, lightweight kiri (paulownia) and finely grained cedar woods. Abundant, dramatic traditional metalwork features bold, circular lockplates with kiri leaf motif and graceful bracketing, making this a rare example of tansu craftsmanship. Long, deep drawers and cabinet at base offer generous storage space . A sublime and functional piece exhibiting Japanese style and tradition. Very good condition. �Dimensions: 42� high, 36.5� wide, 16.5� deep.

Japanese Isho Dansu Clothing Tansu - TJ9JU18

Our Price: $1,395.00
Sale Price: $1,250.00

Handsome two-section Japanese isho-dansu or clothing chest tansu, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Bold chest features golden, lightweight kiri wood, subtle inset metalwork and attractive bracketing. �Deep, long drawers offer generous storage space. �A fine example of traditional tansu craftsmanship. Very good condition. Dimensions: 40� high, 35� wide, 15� deep.

Japanese Kimono Tansu, Kiri Clothing Chest

Japanese Kimono Tansu, Kiri Wood Clothing Chest - TJ9JU13

Our Price: $1,395.00
Sale Price: $1,295.00

Splendid three-piece Japanese kimono dansu clothing chest tansu, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. �Lovely, lightweight kiri (paulownia) and fragrant cedar woods. Simple, beautiful double doors at center swing open to reveal a roomy cabinet within, housing sturdy pull-out drawers for storing folded kimono or clothing. Drawers below and above, and a paneled cabinet at top offer additional storage options. A charming piece of traditional tansu craftsmanship, and a fine example of the beauty and functionality found in the Japanese style. Very good condition. Dimensions: 60� high, 35� wide, 15.5� deep.

Japanese Clothing Tansu, Three-Piece Isho - TJ9JU14

Our Price: $1,295.00
Sale Price: $1,195.00

Handsome three-piece Japanese clothing chest tansu, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Fine, lightweight kiri (paulownia) and cedar woods. �Paneled cabinet and various drawers offer substantial storage. �Delicate metalwork throughout with gracefully formed warabite handles that echo the natural arc of the warabi, the Japanese mountain fern for which they are named. A delightful piece of traditional tansu craftsmanship, and a fine example of the beauty and functionality found in the Japanese style. Very good condition. �Dimensions: 60� high, 35� wide, 15.5� deep.

Japanese Clothing Tansu Chest - TJ9JU111

Our Price: $895.00
Sale Price: $795.00

Sturdy Japanese clothing chest tansu, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Formidable chest fashioned of warm, lightweight kiri (paulownia) and finely grained cedar woods. Handsome traditional metalwork features bold, circular lockplates and graceful bracketing, making this a fine example of tansu craftsmanship. Long, deep drawers offer generous storage space. � A sublime and functional piece exhibiting Japanese style and tradition. Very good condition. �Dimensions: 20� high, 37� wide, 16� deep.

Japanese Merchant Tansu, Two-Piece Choba Dansu - TJ9JU112

Our Price: $2,795.00
Sale Price: $2,495.00

Stunning Japanese two-piece choba-dansu or merchant chest tansu, Meiji period c. 1868-1912. Traditional design, featuring a variety of drawers, beautiful slatted paneled cabinets and cupboard below. �A fabulous combination of bold, circular lockplates and traditional warabite handles makes this a distinctive, eye-catching piece. Merchant chests were traditionally used by shop merchants to store valuable goods or documents, account books and paper goods. To impress the customers, they were always well designed and constructed of fine, sturdy materials. Fashioned of warm, golden cypress and cedar woods. A great example of merchant tansu craftsmanship. Very good condition. Dimensions: 57� high, 32.5� wide, 14� deep.

Japanese Kimono Tansu, Kiri Dansu - TJ9JU113

SOLD
Our Price: $1,395.00
Sale Price: $1,295.00

Graceful three-piece Japanese kimono dansu clothing chest tansu, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. �Lovely, lightweight kiri (paulownia) and fragrant cedar woods. Simple, beautiful double doors at center swing open to reveal a roomy cabinet within, housing sturdy pull-out drawers for storing folded kimono or clothing. Drawers and cabinets above and below offer additional storage options. A charming piece of traditional tansu craftsmanship, and a fine example of the beauty and functionality found in the Japanese style. Very good condition. Dimensions: 63� high, 36� wide, 16.5� deep.

Japanese Two-Piece Clothing Tansu - TJ9JU114

Our Price: $895.00
Sale Price: $695.00

Sublime two-piece Japanese clothing chest tansu, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Fine, lightweight kiri (paulownia) and cedar woods. �Four deep drawers offer substantial storage. �Delicate metalwork throughout includes kiri leaf lockplates and gracefully formed warabite handles echo the natural arc of the warabi, the Japanese mountain fern for which they are named. A delightful piece of traditional tansu craftsmanship, and a fine example of the beauty and functionality found in the Japanese style. Very good condition. �Dimensions: 39� high, 35� wide, 15� deep.

Japanese Kannon Tansu, Ryobiraki Isho Dansu

Japanese Kannon Tansu, Ryobiraki Isho Dansu - TC9J442

SOLD
Our Price: $2,795.00

Bold Japanese two-piece kannon-dansu, ryobiraki-isho or double-door clothing chest tansu, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Fashioned of warm, lightweight kiri (paulownia) wood and remarkable for its lavishly decorated swing-out doors, which house deep, roomy drawers offering generous storage options. Additional drawers below offering great storage space within. Traditionally used both for clothing and as a symbol of affluence due to it highly decorative, abundant and valuable metalwork. Difficult-to-find, this style of tansu is always in great demand! Very good condition. Dimensions: 41� high, 37� wide, 16.5� deep.

Japanese Ranma, Handcarved Wood Transom, Plum Blossoms - TJ9J191

SOLD
Our Price: $495.00

Bold Japanese handcarved wood ranma, early 20th-century. Dramatic motif features exquisitely rendered pine and bamboo. Skillfully carved with great detail. Sturdy, warmly colored cedar wood. �Ranma are traditionally used in a Japanese room between the sliding room divider and the ceiling. The open work ensures easy flow of air from room to room. Today, they serve as gorgeous decorative accents in any setting. Signed by artist. One of a pair (see item). �Buy one or both! Very good condition. Dimensions: 70 x 16�.

Japanese Sendai Lacquer Clothing Tansu - TP9M291

Our Price: $4,395.00

Remarkable, rare, one-piece Japanese red lacquer Sendai clothing chest tansu, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Dramatic, highly detailed and wonderfully rendered metalwork throughout. Chest fashioned of richly grained keyaki wood. Deep, roomy drawers offer generous storage and small cabinet below. A practical yet eye-catching piece and a remarkable addition to any room. Dimensions: 34� high, 42� wide, 17.5� deep.

Japanese Merchant Tansu Choba Dansu - TC9J438

SOLD
Our Price: $2,995.00

Impressive Japanese two-piece choba-dansu or merchant chest tansu, Meiji period c. 1868-1912. Traditional design, featuring a variety of drawers, substantial paneled cabinets and a metal-studded cupboard below. �A fabulous combination of bold, rectangular lockplates and traditional hirute-style handles makes this a distinctive, eye-catching piece. Merchant chests were traditionally used by shop merchants to store valuable goods or documents, account books and paper goods. To impress the customers, they were always well designed and constructed of fine, sturdy materials. Fashioned of warm, golden cypress and cedar woods. A great example of merchant tansu craftsmanship. Very good condition. Dimensions: 64.5� high, 35.75� wide, 16.5� deep.

Japanese Clothing Tansu with Metal Stand

Japanese Clothing Tansu with Metal Stand - TC9J439

SOLD
Our Price: $895.00

Dramatic Japanese clothing chest tansu, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Formidable chest fashioned of warm, lightweight kiri (paulownia) and finely grained cedar woods. Abundant, dramatic traditional metalwork features bold, circular, incised lockplates and graceful bracketing, making this a rare example of tansu craftsmanship. Long, deep drawers offer generous storage space. � A sublime and functional piece exhibiting Japanese style and tradition. Comes with customized metal stand. Very good condition. �Dimensions: 27.5� high w/stand, 22� high w/out, 35.5� wide, 17.5� deep.

Japanese Clothing Tansu Chest - TC9J440

SOLD
Our Price: $895.00

Wonderful Japanese clothing chest tansu, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Substantial chest fashioned of warm, lightweight kiri (paulownia) and finely grained cedar woods. Abundant, dramatic traditional metalwork features whimsical lockplates in the shape of Daikoku�s treasure bag and graceful bracketing, making this a rare example of tansu craftsmanship. Long, deep drawers offer generous storage space. � A sublime and functional piece exhibiting Japanese style and tradition. Comes with customized metal stand. Very good condition. �Dimensions: 25� high w/stand, 20� high w/out, 37.5� wide, 18� deep.

Japanese Isho Dansu, Clothing Chest Tansu - TC9J441

Our Price: $995.00

Beautiful Japanese clothing chest tansu, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Substantial chest fashioned of warm, lightweight kiri (paulownia) and finely grained cedar woods. Abundant, dramatic traditional metalwork features bold, circular lockplates, heavyweight drawer pulls and graceful bracketing, making this a rare example of tansu craftsmanship. Long, deep drawers offer generous storage space. � A sublime and functional piece exhibiting Japanese style and tradition. Very good condition. �Dimensions: 26.25� high w/stand, 21� w/out, 40.75� wide, 17� deep.

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