An antique Japanese Zeni Bako (money safe) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Top cover is secured with an iron lock and serves a dual purpose. When closed, a slot is apparent for dropping coins into the box. When opened, the retrieval of the coins becomes convenient as well as keeping safe and storing paper money, IOUs, and financial bonds and certificates. A bottom drawer was often used to store writing paper, writing brushes and an inkstone. All hand forged iron... Click for details

An antique Japanese low one section Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) made of Sakuranoki (Cherry) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Two sliding doors behind which is a spacious storage area with a full width split level shelf. Constructed using through mortise and tenon Japanese joinery.

Originally used in the kitchen for the storage of dishes and cookware, this tansu would work well as a sideboard or buffet cabinet.

Age: Meiji Period (1890-1900)

Dimensions: 69 1/4" Wide by... Click for details

A rare antique Japanese large Kannon Biraki Tansu made entirely of thick Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Using straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wood nails, this specially commissioned tansu was custom designed and made for a bride's dowry. Its purpose was for storing the bride's wedding kimono and accoutrements after the ceremony . Unlike the traditional wedding kimono chest where the bottom half is usually just drawers and sometimes a hinged door, this one features a pair of... Click for details

Antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. Multiple drawers of 8 exposed and 4 hidden behind the lower sliding doors. The upper sliding doors hides a spacious storage area where the merchant kept his store records and books. All original hand forged iron hardware with construction using straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wood nails. Natural darkening surrounding the metalwork where the original patina had built-up.... Click for details

A rare antique Japanese Choba Kotansu (merchant small chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware. Removable hinge doors behind which hides a removable horizontal bar that securely latches the left door in place. Spacious storage behind the doors where the merchant kept his store books and records. Two upper drawers were used to keep money and valuables. Beautiful original calligraphy on the sides and back of the tansu. Side... Click for details

An antique Japanese single section Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Keyaki (Zelkova) woods. 2 sliding doors designed with individually cut vertical slats (as opposed to a solid board carved to look like slats). Side horizontal ribs add visual strength and structural support to the chest. Contemporary uses include using it as a sideboard or a spacious bathroom counter (space permitting).

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 70 1/4" Wide by 32 1/2"... Click for details

A Keyaki (Zelkova) root burl bonsai stand with twisty gnarly roots supporting a flat surface. Beautiful original patina.

Age: Mid Century (1950-1960's)

Dimensions: 14 1/2" Wide by 13" High by 12 3/4" Deep

An antique Japanese Kansai merchant display store tansu made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Constructed using through mortise and tenon Japanese joinery with horizontal side ribs for strength and support. Most likely used for the display of large tall items, a customized shelf could be added for an additional charge.

Age: Meiji Period (1890-1910)

Dimensions: 74 1/2" Wide by 33 1/8" High by 18 1/8" Deep

An antique Japanese Mikuni Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Aka Matsu (Red Pine), Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original lacquer finish and hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles and full moon lock plates). Through mortise and tenon Japanese joinery and side ribs for strength and support. Lift-up side handles allow through a wood pole letting two persons carry the tansu from store to store. Nine drawers and two sliding doors behind which is a split... Click for details

An antique Japanese Gyosho Bako (peddler's box) made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. Original Urushi lacquer finish and bronze hand made hardware. Carrying handles through which a pole would be inserted with outer Japanese writing advertising the peddler. Straight Japanese dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nail construction. Four drawers of increasing heights from top to bottom.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 6" Wide by 13" High by 11" Deep