Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
MEIJI STYLE
From 1868 to 1912, Emperor Mutsuhito oversaw an era of transformation in Japan. Formerly a country of feudalism and isolation, Japan entered an age of modernization influenced by newly established trade and exchange with the West. The Meiji period, or period of “enlightened rule,” also saw the global impact of the East Asian country’s culture. Japanese Meiji furniture was exhibited at expositions from Paris to San Francisco and created for export.
Prior to the Meiji era, furniture was mostly made by commission for the ruling class; now there were new domestic and international markets. European styles like Japonisme appropriated Japanese design while craftsmen in places like Wales and England employed japanning, a varnishing technique that approximated the appearance of lacquer for the surfaces of furnishings.
Meiji furniture made for Japanese homes and buildings constructed in Western styles resulted in taller tables, chairs, cabinets with large drawers and other features. The government invested in areas such as transportation and communication, and because people could freely choose occupations after the restrictions of feudalism, industries of various types were energized by expressive new ideas during those years. Art schools were formed and, for the first time, design was an area of study in the country, leading to the evolution of professional design as a career by the 1890s.
The work of Japanese designers was transmitted widely through lavishly illustrated pattern books that included designs for screens and lacquerware for the home. While screens today may be of use as decorative accents or partitions to ensure privacy in one’s space, Japanese screens were adorned with paintings and were featured in performing arts such as concerts, tea ceremonies and more. The color illustrations that characterize Meiji woodblock prints, a genre of Japanese art that grew out of 17th-century developments in printing and book publishing, depicted the sweeping changes that the era brought to East Asia.
Although it was a time of societal and cultural shifts, a bolstered interest in art and design elevated Japanese craft traditions. From colorful porcelain table lamps with silk shades and hardwood tables decorated with dark lacquer to cabinets featuring iron hardware and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, Meiji furniture showcased Japan’s artistic heritage to the world.
Find a collection of antique Japanese Meiji period case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Meiji
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 Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Cedar, Pine
Japanese Antique Large Tansu, "Mizuya" Sidebord, Meiji Era 1868-1912, Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique large Mizuya Tansu was crafted in the Meiji Era (1868–1912).
Its simple sliding panel doors and dark, timeworn finish reflect the quiet beauty of wabi-sabi. The surface...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Cedar
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 Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
$800 Sale Price
33% Off
Japanese Antique Small Shelf, Late Meiji Era
1868-1912
Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique small shelf was crafted in the Late Meiji Era(1868-1912).
It features a rich and deep color that highlights the beautiful patina developed over time. The wood's natural...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Chestnut
19th Century Late Meiji Japanese Keyaki Merchant Tansu Chest
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
19th Century Late Meiji Japanese Keyaki Wood Merchant Tansu Chest
This stunning late 19th-century Japanese Meiji period tansu chest is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship. Crafted f...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
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 Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Chests Of Drawers, Meiji Era
1868-1912
Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique chests of drawers was crafted in the Late Meiji Era(1868-1912).
This Japanese chest of drawers, crafted during the Meiji era, is a timeless piece that tells a story of ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
$1,600 Sale Price
36% Off
Japanese Carved and Lacquered Shibayama Cabinet, Meiji Period
Located in San Francisco, CA
An elaborate and finely detailed carved wood, and gold lacquered Shibayama cabinet (Chigaidansu). Having beautifully applied semi-precious stone and ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
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
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Cabinets, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique Japanese-style cabinet made in the Meiji period.
The texture of the black lacquer, smoked with soot from the hearth, has a unique depth and charm that is unlike a...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Chests of Drawers , Wabi-Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This antique Japanese chest of drawers dates back to the Meiji period.
This chest is made from sturdy cedar wood with a lacquer finish, and the iron handles add industrial elegance....
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Late Meiji Japanese Keyaki Merchant Tansu Chest with Iron Fittings
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji merchant's tansu chest from the late 19th century with iron hardware. This late Meiji-period Japanese merchant’s chest, crafted from keyaki (Japanese elm) and adorne...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s/Chest of Drawers Wabisabi Art
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is an old Japanese drawer.
It is an item of the Meiji era (1860s-1920s)
The material is cedar.
The shade of brown is beautiful and the taste is wonderful.
The drawer also ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Wood Cabinets, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is a tasteful antique storage shelf made in the Meiji period.
Made from cedar, the dark wood gives it a deep flavor.
No nails are used for the joints, but the traditional "mor...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Japanese Meiji Period Tansu Chest in the Sendai Dansu Style Made of Keyaki Wood
Located in Torino, IT
This 19th-century Japanese Tansu clothing chest produced in the Meiji period is made of Japanese cedar wood (cryptomeria Japonica) in its inner parts, while for the outer parts it is...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
1860s-1910s Meiji Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi mid Tansu chest of drawers
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
From Kanto or Tohoku area, Japan.
This mid tall size, Urushi lacquered Tansu chest of drawers is a product of Meiji era (circa 1860s - 1910s) , estimate from the style & conditions....
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
1860s-1920s Japanese antique Black urushi Tansu chest of drawers wabi sabi
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Antique mid-size tansu with 4 drawers - product of Meiji to Taisho period (estimate 1868-1926).
Made with traditional woodworking jointly without metal fastener.
Finished with blac...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Cedar, Wood
Japanese Meiji Period Kanto Style Kiri Wood Kitchen Cabinet with Sliding Doors
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period kiri wood two-part kitchen cabinet in the Kanto style with sliding doors, parchment paper and drawers. Created in Japan during the Me...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Parchment Paper
Meiji Two-Part Japanese Tansu in Cypress
Kiriwood from the Yamagata Prefecture
Located in Milford, NH
A fine two part Japanese tansu chest in cypress and kiriwood, the upper part with oxblood stained top, two fitted large drawers, and a single fitted small drawer, over a single fitte...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal, Iron
Early Meiji Period Japanese Elm Shadona Cabinet
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1870s/1880s; Japan
Late 19th century decorative keyaki (Japanese elm) cabinet.
This ornate, pagoda-inspired piece dates to the early/middle Meiji period in Japan and is construc...
Category
1870s Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Elm
Japanese 19th Century Lacquered Sendai Clothing Tansu with Elaborate Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji 19th century double-section Sendai clothing tansu (Isho-dansu) with drawers and elaborate hand cut iron hardware. Born during the 19th ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Early Meiji Keyaki Sendai Isho-Dansu Chest with Iron Hardware and Storage
Located in Yonkers, NY
An early Meiji period Sendai Isho-dansi chest from circa 1860-1880 with eight drawers, petite door and dark patina. This early Meiji-period Sendai Isho-dansu is a striking example of...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
19th Century Large Japanese Shodona
Located in Martlesham, GB
A fabulous quality and impressive large Japanese hardwood Shodona from the Meiji period, the lovely carved pediment incorporating a large winged bird and having decorative C scrolls ...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Hardwood
Japanese Tansu Storage Cabinet with Sliding Doors, Meiji Period, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
Large Two Section Japanese Kitchen Tansu, Late 19th Century. Interior bottom section has been modified to accommodate a TV. Part of the back bot...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Elm
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
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Cabinets, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is a Japanese antique cabinet made in the Meiji period.
This is a masterpiece that highlights traditional techniques and craftsmanship, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Japanese Meiji 19th Century Kuruma Tansu Lacquered Chest with Safe on Wheels
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period merchant's Kuruma tansu chest from the 19th century, with four large drawers and a lateral door concealing additional drawers. Created in Japan during the 19t...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Chests of Small Drawers , Wabi-Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This medicine chest from the Meiji period has 36 small drawers and is highly practical.
It can be used for storage, of course, but depending on your ideas, it can also be used for a...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Elmwood Chest with Iron Hardware
Located in Doylestown, PA
19th century Japanese elmwood blanket chest.
Rustic Meiji period chest featuring hammered iron hardware, a flat hinged top and bracket feet with tw...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Japanese 19th Century Meiji Period Brown and Black Tansu Clothing Chest
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period tansu clothing chest from the 19th century, with black and brown patina. Created in Japan during the 19th century, this tansu chest features a rectangular top sitting above seven drawers surrounding a side door hiding additional drawers. Boasting brown, black and dark red tones, the chest showcases lateral handles allowing the piece to be moved more easily. With its clean lines and complimenting colors, this 19th century Japanese Meiji tansu...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Red Lacquer Cabinet with Sliding Doors
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period red cabinet from the late 19th century, with sliding doors and drawers. This exquisite Japanese Meiji period cabinet...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Antique Japanese Kyushu Tansu, Meiji Period (1868–1912)
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
An exceptional two-section chest from the Kyushu region, crafted from solid kiri (paulownia) wood with a warm, time-worn patina that highlights its fine grain. Retaining its original...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Meiji-era Mizuya Dansu, Circa 1900 – Japanese Kitchen Cabinet
Located in Yonkers, NY
A refined piece of Meiji-era craftsmanship, this antique Mizuya-dansu (kitchen chest) dates to circa 1900 and reflects the understated elegance of traditional Japanese interiors. Cra...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
19th Century Japanese gilt lacquered cabinet
Located in Martlesham, GB
A highly decorative 19th Century Japanese gilt lacquered cabinet from the Meiji period (1868-1912) the double hinged doors decorated with two eag...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Hardwood
Japanese Antique Compact Chest, Meiji Era
1868-1912
Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This compact chest was crafted in the Meiji Era (1868-1912).
It features a handle on top, making it easy to carry or reposition as needed.
The aged patina of the wood highlights i...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Cedar
$400 Sale Price
20% Off
Japanese Meiji Zebra Wood Tansu Chest in Isho-Dansu Style with Five Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period single section tansu clothing chest from the late 19th century in Isho-dansu style, with zebra wood, five drawers and carrying handles. Created in Japan during the Meiji period in the later years of the 19th century, this wooden Isho-dansu clothing chest features a linear silhouette perfectly complimented by a dark zebra wood grain. The organized façade showcases five drawers (three large ones followed by two smaller ones at the bottom), each fitted with iron hardware made of C-scroll handles and a central lock. Tansus were portable chests...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
19th Century Meiji Era Mizuya Tansu Kitchen Cupboard Slatted Sliding Doors
Located in Fort Collins, CO
Constructed from Sugi wood (Japanese cedar), this tansu kitchen chest features 5 drawers and 2 slatted sliding doors. The drawers are adorned with iron handles the geometric style of...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Chests of Drawers , Wabi-Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This antique Japanese chest of drawers dates back to the Meiji period.
This chest is made from sturdy cedar wood with a lacquer finish, and the iron handles add industrial elegance....
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Superb Monumental Meiji Period Hard Wood Display Cabinet, by Noguchi of Yokaha
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A superb monumental Meiji period hard wood display cabinet, by Noguchi of Yokahama, of rectangular form with three shelves which curl back under themselves like ripples to create an ...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Wood Chest
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful antique chest with remnants of the original color. We only source the best.
This bench was sourced in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a J...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
$2,900
19th Century Japanese Meiji Era Tansu Merchant Chest
Located in Fort Collins, CO
Constructed from Cypress and Elm, this merchant’s chest features blackened iron hardware with two thick handles on the top of the piece for ease of transport. It features 8 drawers, ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Japanese Wabi-Sabi Meiji Period Tansu Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
An unusually deep & heavy Meiji period tansu chest constructed from patinated stained elm timber with forged iron hardware. Two small hidden ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Antique Narrow Japanese Tansu
Located in Cambridge, US
Japan, ca. late 19th century. A fabulous tall and narrow tansu from the late Meiji Period in old red finish. Features handmade wood construction with six tightly fitted storage drawe...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Japanese antique cabinet with wooden lattice doors, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is a tasteful Japanese-style storage shelf made in the Meiji period.
Made of durable cedar wood. The sliding door is decorated with delicate frosted glass and wooden latticewor...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Japanese Lacquered Meiji Period Cabinet
Located in Montreal, QC
Japanese lacquered Meiji Period cabinet.
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Antique Japanesse Hand-Carved Elmwood Cabinet, Sideboard, Meiji, 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental antique hand-carved elmwood cabinet. Sideboard, 20th century.
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Japanese Meiji Period 19th Century Blanket Chest with Iron Hardware and Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period blanket chest from the 19th century with iron hardware and distressed patina. Created in Japan during the Meiji period, this wooden blanket chest features a s...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Early 20th Century Japanese Bamboo Cabinet With Sliding Doors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The sis the bottom piece of an early 20th c. bamboo and hinoki wood Japanese shop cabinet. Sliding doors. All original including interior shelf. Would be i...
Category
20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Bamboo
$5,500 Sale Price
37% Off
Antique Japanesse Hand Carved Elmwood Cabinet, Sideboard, Meiji, 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental antique hand carved elmwood cabinet. Sideboard, 20th century.
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Fruitwood
Antique Japanese Hand Carved Elmwood Cabinet, Sideboard, Meiji, 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental antique hand carved elmwood cabinet. Sideboard, 20th century.
This listing it´s only for the low cabinet, without the up vitrine.
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Fruitwood
19th Century black lacquered and painted table cabinet
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th Century freestanding Japanese black lacquered and painted table top cabinet from the Meiji period (1868-1912) The cabinet throughout depicting Japanese countryside scenes, vario...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Flap-Front Storage Cabinet with Kanji Markings, Late Meiji Era
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This Japanese antique storage cabinet features traditional flap-front doors, commonly known as pata-pata doors, and dates to the Meiji period (late 19th–early 20th century).
The mos...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Cedar
Small Japanese Bamboo and Black Lacquer Utility Stand
Located in Hudson, NY
Small Japanese bamboo and black lacquer utility stand. Meiji period (1868 - 1912) furniture with one small shelf.
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Bamboo, Lacquer
Meiji case pieces and storage cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Meiji case pieces and storage cabinets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage case pieces and storage cabinets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, cedar and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji case pieces and storage cabinets made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original case pieces and storage cabinets, popular names associated with this style include and Andrianna Shamaris. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for case pieces and storage cabinets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $275 and tops out at $157,947 while the average work can sell for $4,500.
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