Japanese Ko-Tansu, Storage Cabinet with Drawers, 1920s

Characterful Japanese ko-tansu from the 1920s, made of wood with dark iron fittings and a beautiful, restrained design.

Dimensions: height 60 cm, width 54.5 cm, depth 30 cm.

The cabinet has one spacious drawer running across the full width at the top. Below are three smaller drawers with the original locking bar, or sao, still present, which was used to secure the drawers during transport. The key is missing, but the closing bar remains intact. On the right is a hinged compartment door concealing three smaller drawers inside.

The warm tone of the wood, the simple lines, and the weathered black ironwork give this piece a calm and honest presence.

Still highly practical today, it is ideal for storing papers, jewellery, small objects, writing tools, or other collected items. In a living room, hallway, office, or bedroom, it works equally well as a subtle Japanese accent and as a functional storage piece.

In good, honest condition, with signs of age and use and a patina consistent with its age. Solid and functional.