Ancient Japanese Tansu – Meiji/Taishō Period (c.1868-1926) #28

Ancient Japanese Tansu – Meiji/Taishō Period (c.1868-1926) Dimensions: Length: 124 cm Depth: 43 cm Height: 99 cm. Style: Meiji. Materials and Techniques: Paulownia (Paulownia spp.), Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) Place of Origin: Japan. Period: Late Meiji period, early Taishō period. Date of Manufacture: Circa 1868-1926. Condition: Good. Wear corresponds to age and use. Original Japanese tansu from the Meiji period, in a vertical format with balanced proportions, featuring four wide drawers at the front. Entirely made of paulownia wood (Paulownia spp.), a lightweight and stable species particularly valued in Japanese furniture for its natural resistance to moisture and climatic variations. The circular black iron fittings, combined with corner reinforcements, give the piece a strong graphic presence while highlighting its structural function. The surface retains a warm and authentic patina, marked by the passage of time; these signs of use enhance its wabi-sabi character and authenticity as a historical domestic piece. The Meiji period corresponds to a phase of profound transformation in Japanese society, during which traditional craftsmanship adapted to new functional and organisational needs. The tansu of this era preserve inherited construction techniques while responding to more rational and practical interiors. The use of paulownia reflects a culture based on mobility, durability, and lightness, essential to daily life in late 19th century Japan. It is in excellent condition, except for the characteristic imperfections of any antique, due to the passage of time. UNIQUE PIECE.