Skip to main content

Tansu Chests

to
35
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
342
30
657
1
4
1
1
9
308
338
1
253
27
13
3
2
4
7
4
3
2
5
1
551
269
244
211
49
626
623
607
18
16
655
655
655
9
3
1
Sort By
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
-1900s). This is a "Shonai chest" chest made in the Tohoku region of Japan. It is characterized by its
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Nightstand Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old drawer storage made in Japan. It was made between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s). The material used is cedar wood, and iron hardware is attached to the han...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

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 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 BK Small Drawer primitive / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old black-lacquered drawer storage unit made in Japan. The original handles still have old ropes attached, suggesting it is very old. It is thought to date from the Ed...
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer EDO / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old black-lacquered drawer storage unit made in Japan. Judging from the delicate handles, this is a very old drawer. The furniture dates to the Edo period (1603-1868)....
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique NT Tansu 1920s-1940s / Natural color / cabinet
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese-made cabinet. It was made in the early Showa period (1920s-1940s). It features traditional Japanese design. The wood pattern is used in an interesting way ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Drawer / Storage Tansu / 1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an antique Japanese-made drawer. It is made from cedar, and the date "Meiji 45 (1912s)" is written in ink on the bottom of the drawer at the time. Through years of use, it ...
Category

Vintage 1910s Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique 6-Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old six drawer storage made in Japan. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s), and it is the result of the craftsman's solid skills and aesthetic sense. The mate...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Small Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Nightstand Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a small drawer storage made in Japan. It was made between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s) and is made of cedar wood. The handles are made of iron. The lean, linea...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Black Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese chest of drawers, handcrafted during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s). It is
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Black Tansu 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Drawer Storage Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old black chest of drawers made in Japan during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s), a time
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique BK 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 and pine. The handles are made of iron. This is almost in its o...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar, Pine

Japanese Antique Drawer / Tansu Storage / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese drawer. The original red color has balanced with soot from its long use in an old house with an irori hearth, and has turned a natural reddish-brown. The pee...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Black Drawer / Storage Tansu / 1905s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese-made drawer. It is made of cedar wood, and on the bottom of the drawer there is a mark with the date "Meiji 38 (1905)" written in ink from that time. After ...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Black Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old drawer storage made in Japan. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is a valuable antique piece of furniture filled with Japanese craftsmanship. The ma...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Nightstand Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old small drawer storage made in Japan. The furniture was made in the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The material is cedar wood and the handles are made of iron. The design i...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Huge Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Cabinet 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 1860s-1920s / Nightstand Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a small drawer storage made in Japan. The furniture was made between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s) and is made of cedar wood. Iron is used for the handles, and t...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Large Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a Japanese made drawer storage. It was made between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s), and is a piece of furniture with a long history that still has a strong presen...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese black drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is probably from the Tohoku region of Japan. The material is mainly cedar w...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique BK Middle Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese black drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is probably from the Tohoku region of Japan. The material is mainly cedar w...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Tansu / Drawer Cabinet / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese drawer. It has been used in stores since the Edo period in the Tohoku region, and it is estimated that it was made around the Meiji period. The material is ...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer. This furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of cedar wood. The drawer is tasteful, rustic, simple and beautiful. There is no wa...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The main material is cedar wood. The handles are made of iron. The design is ultimately simpl...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Wabisabi Drawer 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Storage Tansu Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a very old Japanese drawer. It was built from the late Edo period to the Meiji period (1820-1912). It is furniture that was used in shops rather than being used in ordinary hom...
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Antique Japanese low display stand w/ drawer, Okidoko tansu, wabi sabi mingei
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Antique "Okidoko"- wooden low display stand with drawer from Tohoku area, Japan. Manufactured in Circa 1900s to 1920s (Taisho to early Showa period) , estimate from the style c...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
everyday life. This Seoi Tansu, or portable chest, is one such relic that bears the memory of that time
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Japanese Apothocary Tansu Chest
Located in Seattle, WA
Japanese apothecary chest (kusuri dansu) with unusually large square drawers. The chest consisting
Category

Japanese Apothecary Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Antique Japanese Personal Merchant s Tansu Chest
Located in Harbor Springs, MI
The Merchant’s Chest, also called a Tansu, has origins dating back to Japan’s Meiji period and is
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Cabinets

Materials

Iron

Antique Japanese Carpenter s Tansu Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Carpenter’s tool chest, constructed of Cedar (sugi, Cryptomeria japonica) with a persimmon
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Copper

Japanese Shop Chest Tansu
Located in Seattle, WA
An unusual and early Japanese kuruma dansu, wheeled chest from the Fukui-Mikuni region. The sugi
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Kiri Wood Tansu
Located in New York, NY
Kiri Wood Tansu with Original Brass Fittings
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Elmwood Two-Tier Tansu
Located in New York, NY
Elmwood Tansu with Brass fittings.
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Kiriwood Three Level Tansu
Located in New York, NY
Kiriwood multi-level tansu with drawers, sliding door cabinets, and original iron handles and
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

19th Century Japanese Kimono Tansu
By Japanese Studio
Located in Washington, DC
Striking two section, kiri wood tansu with hand forged iron and bronze decorative hardware. chest
Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze, Iron

A Pair of Tansu Japanese Cabinets
Located in Cathedral City, CA
A pair of Tansu Japanese cabinets with drawers. Ideal for side tables or night stands.
Category

Vintage 1940s Japanese Japonisme Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Persimmon Wood Tansu Cabinet w/ Brass Fittings
Located in New York, NY
Persimmon wood chest with multiple drawers and 2 cabinets. With brass fittings.
Category

Early 20th Century Korean Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Japanese Shop Chest Choba Tansu
Located in Seattle, WA
A Japanese shop chest, choba dansu, crafted entirely of sugi (cryptomeria) wood. The tansu with a
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Japanese Keyaki Tansu Merchant s Chest
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Merchant’s Chest (choba-dansu), Toyama, the front entirely constructed of keyaki (Zelkova
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese Kuruma Tansu Large Wheeled Storage Chest
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Kuruma-dansu, a wheeled storage chest traditionally kept in the Kura (storeroom
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Furniture

Materials

Chestnut, Cypress

Japanese Yonezawa Tansu 2-Section Clothing Storage Chest
Located in New York, NY
Japanese 2-section chest-on-chest for clothing storage (isho kasane-dansu) from Yonezawa
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese Yonezawa Tansu 2-Section Clothing Storage Chest
Located in New York, NY
Large Japanese 2-section chest-on-chest for clothing storage (isho kasane-dansu) from Yonezawa
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Cedar Keyaki Chest Japanese Meiji Tansu Dresser Storage Drawers
Located in Monterey, CA
This lacquered cedar and kayak clothing chest (Sendai Isho Dansu) is from the Sendai, Miyagi
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Large Japanese Rosewood Taisho 3-Section Tansu Clothing Storage Chest
Located in New York, NY
Large Japanese 3-section clothing chest, crafted of chestnut and cedar with the entire facade of a
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Furniture

Materials

Chestnut, Elm, Rosewood

19th Century Meiji Period Cedar and Metal Bound Tansu- Japanese Chest
Located in London, GB
This 19th century Meiji period chest is in characteristic lightweight cedar wood with iron bindings
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Rare Japanese Tansu Chest
Located in Stamford, CT
A rare late 18th-early 19th century Japanese Tansu chest of drawers with enameled iron, silk and
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Natural Wood Japanese Tansu Chest
Located in East Hampton, NY
Elegant natural wood tansu chest in two pieces.
Category

Mid-20th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

19th Century Japanese Tansu Chest
Located in East Hampton, NY
Exceptional two part tansu chest with blackened steel hardware....
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Steel

Japanese Black Lacquer Tansu Chest.
Located in Hudson, NY
Japanese Black Lacquer Tansu Chest with Gold Leaf and Mon Design.
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Lacquer

Pair of Japanese Tansu Chests
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Japanese black lacquer and gilt mon motif 5 drawer tansu chests with original brass
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Oversize 19th Century Japanese Tansu Chest
Located in East Hampton, NY
19th century Japanese Tansu chest of drawers.
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

20th Century Japanese Tansu Chest
Located in Chicago, IL
/> Pagoda Red Collection #: BTF032 Keywords: Tansu, chest, dresser, commode
Category

20th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Two-Piece Tansu Chest
Located in East Hampton, NY
Beautiful 2 piece tansu chest....tops on both are finished so they can be used separately or
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Furniture

Materials

Iron

20th Century Tansu Chest
Located in New York, NY
This case piece is a Tansu chest from Japan. It is pinewood with patinated metal and cast iron
Category

20th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron, Metal

Japanese 19thC Ko Tansu Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A Meiji period Kirinoki wood and forged iron 'Ko Tansu' chest of drawers. Japan, Circa 1880.
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Other, Iron

Japanese Tansu Chests with Black Lacquer fronts
Located in Hudson, NY
Japanese Tansu Chests with Black Lacquer fronts, c. 1880 Overall measures: 34 ½” x 16” x 48
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Lacquer

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Tansu Chests", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Tansu Chests For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of tansu chests is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct tansu chests — often made from wood, metal and cedar — can elevate any home. Tansu chests have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Tansu chests made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with folk art — are very popular at 1stDibs. Not every interior allows for large tansu chests, so small tansu chests measuring 6.03 inches across are available at 1stDibs. Tansu chests have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Henredon, Baker Furniture Company and American of Martinsville are consistently popular.

How Much are Tansu Chests?

Tansu chests can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $2,492, while the lowest priced sells for $325 and the highest can go for as much as $28,000.

Finding the Right Commodes And Chests Of Drawers for You

Shopping for a commode or a chest of drawers?

Commode is the French term for a low chest of drawers, but it is also sometimes used to denote any case piece with a particularly intricate design. The commode dates to circa 1700 France, where it was used as an alternative to a taller cabinet piece so as to not obscure paneled, mirrored or tapestried walls. Coffers, or chests, which were large wooden boxes with hinged lids and sometimes stood on ball feet, preceded chests of drawers, a fashionable cabinet furnishing that garnered acclaim for its obvious storage potential and versatility. The term commode was also used to refer to a piece of bedroom furniture — a washstand or nightstand that contained a chamber pot. 

As time passed, French and British furniture makers led the way in the production of chests of drawers, and features like the integration of bronze and ornamental pulls became commonplace. Antique French commodes in the Louis XV style were sometimes crafted in mahogany or walnut, while an Italian marble top added a sophisticated decorative flourish. This specific type of case piece grew in popularity in the years that followed.

So, what makes a chest of drawers different from a common dresser? Dressers are short, and chests of drawers are overall taller pieces of furniture that typically do not have room on the top for a mirror as most dressers do. Tallboys and highboys are variations of the dresser form. Some chests of drawers have one column of four to six long drawers or three long drawers in their bottom section that are topped by a cluster of small side-by-side drawers on the top. To further complicate things, we sometimes refer to particularly short chests of drawers as nightstands. 

Even though chests of drawers are commonly thought of as bedroom furniture to store clothing, these are adaptable pieces. A chest of drawers can house important documents — think of your walnut Art Deco commode as an upgrade to your filing cabinet. Nestle your chest near your home’s front door to store coats and other outerwear, while the top can be a place to drop your handbag. Add some flair to your kitchen, where this lovable case piece can hold pots, pans and even cookbooks.

When shopping for the right chest of drawers for your home, there are a few key things to consider: What will you be storing in it? How big a chest will you need?

Speaking of size, don’t dream too big. If your space is on the smaller side, a more streamlined vintage mid-century modern chest of drawers, perhaps one designed by Paul McCobb or T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, may best suit your needs.

At 1stDibs, we make it easy to add style and storage to your home. Browse our collection of antique and vintage commodes and chests of drawers today.

Questions About Tansu Chests
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    A step Tansu is also known as a step Tansu chest. It originated in Japan with simplistic design and multi-purpose use. Step Tansu has a storage chest that doubles as a staircase to climb to higher-level rooms. Add aesthetic appeal to your home decor with a step Tansu chest or other storage pieces from 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    Tansu refers to Japanese portable storage chests. When tansu became a well-known feature of life in Japan — the chests’ emergence is said to be rooted in the Genroku era of the Edo period (1688–1704) — the country’s traditionally minimalist households had little to no proper seats, tables, or other pieces of furniture. Tansu were intended to be multipurpose cabinets. These case pieces were used to store things of everyday utility, such as clothing and various personal items. Tansu are regarded as collectible furniture with a timeless appeal. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary Tansu from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A tansu chest is a Japanese cabinet designed for easy transportation and can store a variety of items, including clothes and personal items. Tansu chests often feature multiple compartments to keep items organized. Shop a selection of authentic tansu chests on 1stDibs.

Read More

37 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name

Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

What Exactly Is a Secretary Desk, and What Is It Used For?

The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.

This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once

Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.

Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition

Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.

Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way

Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.

Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture

In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.

These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project

From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.