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Japanese Antique Sliding-Door Cabinet (Cha Tansu), Taisho Era (1912–1926), Wabi
$1,000
£760.85
€876.66
CA$1,419.69
A$1,523.07
CHF 816.94
MX$18,337.56
NOK 10,298.53
SEK 9,390.83
DKK 6,549.81
About the Item
This Japanese sliding-door cabinet (cha tansu) was crafted during the Taisho Period (1912–1926) using a thoughtful combination of woods: kiri (paulownia) for the frame, sugi (Japanese cedar) for the door panels, and kuwa (mulberry) for the drawer fronts. Each wood was chosen for its particular qualities—paulownia for lightness and resistance to warping, cedar for its straight grain and gentle aroma, and mulberry for its fine, dense character.
The exterior is finished in a deep, smoky brown achieved with kakishibu (persimmon tannin) combined with pine soot, a traditional method that both colors and protects the wood. The top surface and interior retain traces of reddish-brown lacquer, a quiet detail that adds warmth and visual interest. Over time, these layered finishes have worn and softened, revealing the natural materials beneath and the piece’s history of use.
Originally designed for storing tea utensils and ceramics, the cabinet features open shelving behind sliding doors, with three drawers below for organizing smaller items. The restrained design and rich patina reflect the aesthetic ideals of wabi-sabi—finding beauty in simplicity, age, and imperfection.
This cabinet works beautifully in modern interiors—as a tea station, bar cabinet, entry console, or display piece for ceramics, books, and objects. Its slender depth makes it ideal for narrow spaces or against walls, adding presence without overwhelming the room.
- Structure is sound and stable with no wobble or structural issues
- Kakishibu and pine soot finish shows age-related wear with areas of loss, revealing the wood beneath
- Top surface and interior retain traces of original reddish-brown lacquer
- Drawer interiors show some discoloration and staining from age and use
- Surface has minor chips, scratches, and dents consistent with age
- Back panel shows gaps between boards due to natural wood contraction over time (does not affect stability)
- All drawers and sliding doors operate smoothly
Cleaned and disinfected with a non-toxic solution.
As an authentic Taisho-era piece, this cabinet exhibits natural signs of age and use inherent to Japanese antique furniture. Characteristics such as finish wear, wood movement, surface marks, and structural aging are reflections of authenticity and history, not defects. Please review all photos carefully—condition details are visible in images—and feel free to contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Cabinet interior dimensions (approximate):
Upper compartment (behind sliding door): W: 26.6" (67.5 cm) / D: 10.6" (27 cm) / H: 5.9" (15 cm)
Middle compartment (behind sliding door):
Shallow shelf area: W: 27.2" (69 cm) / D: 5.5" (14 cm) / H: 5.9" (15 cm)
Deep lower space: W: 27.2" (69 cm) / D: 10.6" (27 cm) / H: 10.4" (26.5 cm)
Drawers: W: 8.0" (20.4 cm) / D: 11.9" (30.2 cm) / H: 3.9" (9.9 cm)
Weight: 25.1 lbs (11.4 kg)
Shipping Information:
We ship from Japan. I will provide my own shipping quote. Please ask.
Import duties, taxes, and customs fees are the responsibility of the buyer.
- Dimensions:Height: 29.77 in (75.6 cm)Width: 30.79 in (78.2 cm)Depth: 13 in (33 cm)
- Style:Taisho (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1920
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Cleaned and disinfected. Structure sound and stable. Kakishibu finish shows wear. Top and interior retain lacquer traces. Drawers show discoloration. Surface has chips, scratches, dents. Back has gaps from wood contraction (does not affect stability).
- Seller Location:Hitachiomiya-shi, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7430247728332
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Hitachiomiya, Japan
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