Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

Japanese Antique Large Tansu 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Cabinet Wabi Sabi

$5,400
£4,114.90
€4,745.62
CA$7,669.61
A$8,240.57
CHF 4,421.05
MX$97,083.46

About the Item

This is a very old Japanese tansu chest, crafted in the Meiji period (1860s–1900s). It is made from sugi (cedar) wood, and its modest, unassuming presence is part of its charm. The absence of excessive ornamentation and the simple, restrained design embody the true spirit of “simplicity.” The sliding doors feature a beautiful lattice design, giving the piece a quiet yet distinctly Japanese aesthetic. Traces of careful repairs and long-term use can be seen throughout, and the fact that it has survived to this day in such condition is remarkable. The deep, dark tones mixed with subtle reddish hues, along with the naturally worn surface, represent layers of history that cannot be recreated artificially. The sliding doors open and close smoothly, making the piece fully functional in modern interiors. The inside has also been thoroughly cleaned and is ready for use. With its generous storage capacity, it can comfortably accommodate large books, ceramics, daily items, and various other belongings. There are some wormhole marks on the underside of the piece—something commonly seen in wooden furniture of this era. There are no active insects now, but due to vibrations during transport, some wood dust may fall out when the item is unpacked. Thank you in advance for your understanding. These traces of age are part of the charm, telling the story of this tansu long life and the appeal of natural, living material. This piece embodies the Japanese aesthetic spirit of wabi-sabi. Its quiet dignity, shaped only by the passage of time, gives it a deep and understated presence. It accepts the natural landscape of aged wood as it is, bringing stillness and depth to any space. Weight: approx. 60 kg _________________________ Our Philosophy Objects always tell the truth. All I can do is just to face with them sincerely and give them deep affection as much as I can. There is no boundary of nationalities and of eras in beauty. But I think now is the time we choose 'Japanese style' and it will be the best way to remind us of what we are losing today and to question us about an essence of beauty again. I hope that you can touch the memories which the objects here have, feel and think of something invisible but exists undoubtedly.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 36.03 in (91.5 cm)Width: 65.56 in (166.5 cm)Depth: 25.6 in (65 cm)
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Cedar,Woodwork
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1860s-1900s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chōsei District Nagara, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10403247699452

More From This Seller

View All
Japanese Antique Large Tansu 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Cabinet Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old large black Japanese tansu, crafted during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s). It is made from traditional sugi (Japanese cedar), a material beloved for its warmth and nat...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cabinets

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Large Tansu 1860s-1900s / Storage Cabinet Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a large antique Tansu chest from Japan, crafted during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s). Made with Japanese cedar and finished with great care, it has endured for over a centur...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cabinets

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Large Tansu 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Cabinet Storage Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a large antique Tansu chest from Japan, crafted during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s). It is made of Japanese cedar, whose surface has gained depth and character over time, c...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sideboards

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Large Kuruma Tansu 1800s-1860s / Cabinet Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old, large, Japanese-made Kuruma-Tansu. Made in the Edo period (1800s-1860s), it is a powerful and dignified piece, the culmination of the skills and aesthetic sense of th...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Sideboards

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Massive Tansu Chest 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Cupboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a large, old black tansu chest made in Japan, dating to the Meiji period (1860s–1900s). Crafted from Japanese cedar, it is substantial in sca...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cabinets

Materials

Cedar

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

You May Also Like

Japanese Antique BK Tansu 1860s-1900s ③ / Cabinet Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This chest of drawers is one of a set of three used in the same old Japanese house. Judging from its current condition, it appears to be quite old. It is in all original condition. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Cabinets

Materials

Cedar

A Large Early Meiji Period Wabi Sabi Japanese Tansu/Sideboard
Located in London, GB
A large early Meiji period Japanese tansu/sideboard A really nice mid/late 19th C. Japanese sideboard/tansu. It was likely to be used as a coun...
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sideboards

Materials

Cedar

1870s-1900s Japanese antique Mizuya tansu chest sideboard wabi sabi primitive
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
New finds from Tohoku area, Japan. This single tier Mizuya tansu is made from premium quality, reddish Sugi Cedar, the product of circa 1870s to 1900s (Meiji to early Taisho period)...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Japanese BK Tansu 1920-1940 / Showa Period / Cabinet Sideboard Wabi sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an antique Japanese Tansu. The patina developed over time is truly exquisite. It has been meticulously maintained to preserve its patina. The doors operate smoothly. It is i...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Cabinets

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Large BK Tansu 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an antique Japanese Tansu. Judging by the condition of the metal parts, it appears to be quite old, likely dating to the Edo period. It has been carefully maintained to pres...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Cabinets

Materials

Cedar

1870s-1900s Japanese antique large Mizuya tansu chest. wabi sabi primitive
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
New finds from Kanto or Tohoku area, Japan. This large Mizuya tansu is made from premium quality, reddish Sugi Cedar, the product of circa 1870s to 1900s (Meiji to early Taisho peri...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Cedar