Small Japanese kotansu chest of drawers with four drawers – Japan, Shōwa period, around 1960

Small Japanese kotansu chest of drawers with four drawers, fronts made of zelkova (keyaki) and sides of sugi, manufactured in Japan during the mid-Shōwa period. A compact piece of furniture, halfway between an auxiliary chest of drawers and a Japanese storage unit, representative of 20th-century Japanese domestic furniture. During the Shōwa period, small kotansu — direct heirs of the tansu tradition — became popular as auxiliary furniture for offices or bedrooms. They were used to store small treasures, sewing thread, stationery, jewellery, or notes, with a distinct drawer for each item. Their small size made them common on a desk, on a larger chest of drawers, or on a chigaidana shelf. It is constructed with drawer fronts made of zelkova (keyaki) — valued for its spectacular grain —, sides and a base of sugi (Japanese cedar), and reinforcements made of local wood. The four drawers are assembled using traditional joints and complemented by brass handles in the shape of a horizontal loop on a recessed rectangular plate, characteristic of Japanese craftsmanship. The edges are finished with a fine moulding that protects the softer wood. The patina is warm and very uniform: the keyaki front displays the full character of the grain — wavy, with almost aquatic figures — under a matte varnish that has developed with use. The sides, in darker sugi, contrast with the fronts and give the piece a very Japanese dual chromatic reading. The hardware retains its original golden tone. Details. Dimensions: Width: 26 cm Depth: 33 cm Height: 32 cm. Style: Japanese tansu, Shōwa period. Materials and techniques: Zelkova (keyaki) fronts; sugi (Japanese cedar) sides; original recessed plate brass handles. Place of origin: Japan. Era: Shōwa period. Date of manufacture: Circa 1950–1970. Condition / Observations: Good. Homogeneous natural patina. Wear consistent with age.