An antique Japanese Ko Tansu (personal storage chest) made entirely of Suginoki (Cryptomeria) wood. Original wiped Urushi lacquer technique finish with original hand made iron hardware including Gumbai handles. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery with hardened wood nails.

Contemporary uses for this chest include making a lovely side table or a useful and functional bedside stand and cabinet.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 21 3/4" Wide x 22 1/2" High x... Click for details

An antique 2 section tall Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Beautiful original finish of fine Shunkei-Nuri (lacquer) in front and a wiped lacquer technique on the top and sides. In addition, the handmade iron hardware is original with Warabite handles. Top section has two sliding doors with 5 drawers below. The bottom section has 8 exterior drawers, 2 sets of sliding doors and 2 small drawers behind the hinged door.

Age: Mid... Click for details

An antique Japanese Ko Tansu (personal storage chest) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand made iron fittings including the Warabite handles and finish. The front has a natural Kirinoki wood finish while the case was finished in a wiped Urushi lacquer technique. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1880)

Dimensions: 23 3/4" Wide x 20" High x 13" Deep

An antique Japanese Cha Tansu made from solid Keyaki (Zelkova) & Keyaki Burl woods with a Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood drawer back. Removable trick shelves behind the sliding side by side doors. Original bronze fittings and a lucky Gourd carved drawer handle out of Kakinoki (Persimmon) wood with the same wood used for the sliding door handles. Decorative open fan shaped side windows that function both as entrance for light on the shelves and handles for carrying this chest about.

Age: Late... Click for details

An antique Japanese Sendai Ko Bo Tansu (personal chest with locking bar) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original Urushi lacquer finish and hand made iron hardware with Warabite handles. The bottom main drawer has a lock plate that features the lucky Sho Chiku Bai motif with a crane and a turtle added for additional good luck and longevity. The hinged door has two small drawers hidden behind. Also, there is natural built-up patina surrounding the metal-work.... Click for details

A rare antique Japanese optometrist roll top tansu complete with lenses and glasses. Original navy corduroy covered pull-out shelf with two side by side storage drawers. The display case of lenses double as a removable tray for portable transport from room to room or place to place. Made of Tochinoki (Horse Chestnut) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. All original bronze hardware and finish.

This would make a wonderful addition to anyone who collects optometry related items.

Age:... Click for details

A low Japanese Negoro incense table with many layers of black, red, and translucent lacquer pigment. Naturally worn finish consistent with age an use. European style hand carved leg and foot. Original hardware of hand forged iron. Traditionally used as a low stand to raise up an incensor.

Edo Period 18th Century

13 1/2" long X 11" wide X 6 3/4" high

An antique Japanese 2 section Nagoya Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress), Akita Sugi (Cryptomeria from the Akita region) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original iron fittings. Constructed using mortise and tenon & through mortise and tenon joinery as well as hardened wood nails. There are side horizontal slats for added strength and support. The top sliding door panels were decorated with beautiful flowing grain Akita Sugi wood boards. The hardware features stylized Mokko... Click for details

A vintage Japanese Ranma (transom) made of Kusunoki (Camphor) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. Hand carved in deep relief depicting an auspicious Plum Blossom Tree with Bamboo and Irises. Celebrating the change of seasons from winter to spring, it shows many flower buds ready to bloom with a few blooming in all its beauty.

Age: Late Taisho through Early Showa Era (1926-1950).

Dimensions: 67 1/4" Wide x 16" High by 2 3/4" Deep

A rare Edo era Gyosho Tansu (peddler's chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand made iron hardware and original dark wiped lacquer technique finish. Unusual features include the front to back swivel carrying handles and three secret compartment boxes. One box hides to the back of either shelf tricking a thief to think that he/she found the precious treasure. Behind each of the two bottom drawers also hides secret boxes where the real treasure is kept.

This... Click for details