19th Century Japanese Two-Part Tansu Chest Of Drawers

This is a wonderful 19th-century Japanese Tansu chest, beautifully displaying the simplicity, practicality and craftsmanship of traditional Japanese furniture.

Constructed in two separate sections, known as a kasane-dansu, this traditional design allowed the chest to be transported more easily, with each section fitted with its own iron carrying handles. The sections stack together to create one substantial and beautifully proportioned piece.

The chest retains its original dark timber finish, complemented by characterful iron drawer handles, decorative lock plates and substantial iron corner reinforcements. The understated design and honest, time-worn patina give it a wonderful sense of history and authenticity.

Tansu chests are particularly iconic in Japanese furniture history, representing a tradition of beautifully considered, functional furniture that was designed to be both practical and adaptable to everyday life.

The piece has plenty of wear and tear consistent with its considerable age, including surface marks and signs of historic use. There are some historic woodworm holes to the bases of the individual sections, which are not visible externally, the drawers all open and close fairly easily, although they are not especially smooth.

An interesting and characterful antique, offering a wonderful opportunity to own a genuine piece of 19th-century Japanese furniture.

Dimensions:

96cm Width

42cm Depth

102cm Height