ANTIQUE JAPANESE MINGEI TANSU CHEST / LATE EDO-EARLY MEIJI PERIOD 1850-1890

• Authentic antique Japanese Mingei Tansu — a traditional storage chest associated with Japanese storehouses (kura), dating from the Late Edo to Early Meiji period, c.1840–1890.
• Substantial construction in traditional Japanese timber, with beautifully aged colour, patina and honest signs of use.
• Original slatted sliding doors, forged iron fittings and substantial side carrying handles designed to accommodate a timber carrying pole.
• Practical internal shelving with two lower drawers, retaining their original iron hardware.
• Hand-forged construction details.
• Particularly intriguing handwritten Japanese calligraphy survives on the reverse of one door, identifying a directive to prioritise a section for removal in the event of fire.
• This instruction provides a fascinating insight into the practical use of the chest in an era when Japanese towns and storehouses were predominantly constructed from timber and paper and fire was a constant threat.
  
• Retains its original character throughout, with age-related marks, wear and patina left intact rather than refinished.
• The upper drawer above the small bottom drawers was removable and often lost during active shop use, now a charming marker of genuine Edo–Meiji provenance.
• A substantial and highly characterful example of Japanese traditional storage furniture, equally suited to a contemporary interior or serious collection.
• Ideal as a statement sideboard, bar cabinet, hallway cabinet or collector's piece.
• Dimensions: 121w x 52d x 96h cm.

Pick up from our Rowville workshop weekdays between 10am and 4pm or Saturdays by arrangement. Delivery can be arranged at buyer's expense.

*All Vintage Upcycle pieces have lived a life prior and are not in as new condition. Always presume there will be marks and defects with age and use. We will always do our best to display notable damage in our listing description and/or photographs (where possible), but things are sometimes missed or what might be nothing to us, is something to you. You’re always welcome to inspect prior to purchase at our Rowville workshop.