Antique Japanese tansu with multiple drawers – Meiji/Taishō period (c.1868-1926) #16

Antique Japanese tansu with multiple drawers (circa 1868-1926) Dimensions: Length: 96 cm Depth: 43 cm Height: 102 cm. Style: Meiji. Materials and techniques: Paulownia (Paulownia spp.) Place of origin: Japan. Period: Late Meiji period, early Taishō period. Date of manufacture: Circa (c.1868-1926) Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Original Japanese tansu from the Meiji period, in a vertical format with balanced proportions, designed as a domestic storage unit. Made from paulownia wood (Paulownia spp.), a lightweight and stable species particularly valued in Japan for its resistance to moisture and climatic variations, it features a construction that is both solid and functional. The composition of wide drawer fronts, combined with circular black iron fittings and side transport handles, clearly highlights its original utilitarian character. The surface retains a warm and even patina, marked by signs of use consistent with its age, offering great visual depth and a pronounced wabi-sabi aesthetic. A versatile piece, it can be used as a chest of drawers, accent furniture, or a central element in contemporary, Japanese, or eclectic interiors. During the Meiji period, Japan underwent profound social and material transformation. Domestic furniture retained traditional craftsmanship techniques while adapting to new needs for organisation and functionality. The paulownia tansu of this era reflect a practical culture, where lightness, mobility, and durability play an essential role in daily life. It is in excellent condition, except for the characteristic imperfections of any antique, due to the passage of time. Add a touch of originality to your interior with a unique piece that blends into contemporary style and brings personality to your space.