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Japanese Early Showa Period Storage Cabinet with Drawers and Sliding Doors
$2,300
£1,738.53
€1,994.17
CA$3,206.29
A$3,490.31
CHF 1,852.66
MX$41,995.98
NOK 23,475.72
SEK 21,510.39
DKK 14,892.34
About the Item
This Japanese storage cabinet dates to the early Showa period, circa 1926–1940.
It is a solid and substantial piece, built with a clear emphasis on durability and everyday function. The front surfaces are crafted from zelkova (keyaki) wood, while the top, sides, and structural elements are made from chestnut, resulting in a weighty and dependable construction.
The cabinet features numerous drawers arranged above and below the central sliding-door section. This layout is commonly associated with choba tansu, traditionally used for organizing records and valuables. However, the absence of locks suggests a different context. Rather than a small storefront, this cabinet was more likely used in the private quarters of a wealthy merchant, landowner, or large household where security was already ensured.
Ink stains remain inside the upper drawers, offering quiet evidence of past use. Items such as seals, ink, and writing tools were likely stored here, indicating that this cabinet supported the keeping of ledgers, financial records, and important documents. One can easily imagine it placed deeper within the residence, away from the public-facing spaces, where accounts were recorded in a calm, orderly setting.
The sliding doors were originally fitted with wooden panels; the glass was added at a later date. This change suggests that, over time, the cabinet came to serve not only as storage but also as a display piece, adapting naturally to new roles as lifestyles evolved.
Designed with practicality at its core, this cabinet favors function over decoration. Its restrained appearance and thoughtful construction embody a quiet functional beauty—an approach to design that has remained relevant and appreciated across generations.
Condition Notes:
- Structure is sound and stable with no structural issues
- Surface shows age-related wear including scratches, abrasions, and small dents consistent with age and use
- Ink stains remain inside the upper drawers from past use
- Sliding doors operate smoothly
- Glass panels in the sliding doors were added at a later date
- Drawers open and close smoothly
- Gaps at the back caused by natural wood contraction have been covered with wooden boards
Cleaned and disinfected with a non-toxic solution.
As an authentic early Showa-period piece, this cabinet shows natural signs of age inherent to Japanese vintage furniture. Characteristics such as surface wear, wood movement, small marks, and interior staining are reflections of its history and authenticity, not defects. Please review all photos carefully—condition details are visible in the images—and feel free to contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Interior dimensions (approx.)
Sliding glass-door interior:
W: 33.7" (85.7 cm)
D: 8.1" (20.5 cm) upper / 13.2" (33.5 cm) lower
H: 7.1" (18.0 cm) upper / 11.4" (29.0 cm) lower
Drawer interior:
Upper drawer:
W: 6.8" (17.3 cm) / D: 13.9" (35.2 cm) / H: 4.7" (12.0 cm)
Middle drawer:
W: 7.0" (17.9 cm) / D: 14.0" (35.5 cm) / H: 3.3" (8.5 cm)
Lower drawer:
W: 9.8" (24.8 cm) / D: 14.0" (35.5 cm) / H: 5.9" (15.0 cm)
Weight: 85.8 lbs (38.9 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.
Approach to Selection and Restoration:
Each piece is individually selected through our own eye, then restored to reveal its most compelling state. Movement, stability, and surface are considered as one—shaped through practice to be lived with naturally, honoring the wood’s natural patina while avoiding environmentally harsh chemical strippers or forceful abrasion.
- Dimensions:Height: 39.38 in (100 cm)Width: 35.83 in (91 cm)Depth: 15.48 in (39.3 cm)
- Style:Showa (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa1930
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Structurally sound and stable. Age-related wear such as surface marks and interior ink stains are present, consistent with long-term use. Sliding doors and drawers operate smoothly, and the cabinet remains fully functional.
- Seller Location:Hitachiomiya-shi, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7430248107332
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Hitachiomiya, Japan
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