Japanese Antique Tansu Chest of Drawers with Brass Hardware, 1900s

This compact tansu chest has a strong yet calm presence: a deep dark front paired with warm reddish-brown sides, finished with beautifully aged brass fittings.

Dimensions: height 59.5 cm, width 57 cm, depth 32.5 cm. Dating: Meiji period, c. 1900.

The layout is typically Japanese—smart, clear, and made for everyday use. At the top are three wide drawers with double pulls, ideal for linens, paperwork, or accessories. Below, there is one large deep drawer on the left and a narrower stack on the right with a small upper drawer and a larger drawer beneath it. A particularly charming detail is the blue interior lining (visible in the photos), a finish often found on tansu intended to keep textiles and (kimono) accessories neatly stored and protected.

The brass corner and strap hardware, together with the decorative lock plates, adds extra character.

In a contemporary interior, this piece works perfectly as a compact sideboard, side cabinet, or statement piece in a hallway, living room, or bedroom. Its nicely aged condition—with patina, light wear, and honest signs of use—gives it a one-of-a-kind look that cannot be replicated.