Antique Japanese chest of drawers – Meiji/Taishō period (c. 1890-1926) #50

Antique Japanese Chest – Meiji / Taishō Period (c. 1890-1926) Dimensions: Length: 91 cm Depth: 44 cm Height: 76 cm. Style: Meiji. Materials and Techniques: Paulownia (Paulownia spp.), Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) Place of Origin: Japan. Era: End of the Meiji period, beginning of the Taishō period. Date of Manufacture: Circa 1890-1926. Condition: Good. Wear corresponds to age and use. Original Japanese Tansu from the Meiji period, in a low and horizontal format with balanced proportions, designed as a functional domestic storage piece. The composition is clear and measured, articulated around four wide drawers that highlight its practical and architectural character. The piece is made from a combination of paulownia (Paulownia spp.) and Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica). The paulownia provides structural lightness and stability, while the Japanese cedar is used in secondary elements, promoting smooth drawer movement and good performance against humidity variations, an essential aspect in traditional Japanese interiors. The recessed iron handles and discreet closing plates structure the façade with sobriety, while the corner reinforcements emphasise the robustness of the construction. The patinated metal delicately contrasts with the warm hue of the wood, whose surface exhibits a deep and irregular patina, marked by scratches, abrasions, and softened edges, reflecting prolonged use. The Meiji period (1868–1912) corresponds to a major transformation in Japanese society, during which traditional craft techniques adapted to new forms of domestic organisation. Furniture from this era is distinguished by its modularity, sturdiness, and a rational design for storage. UNIQUE PIECE.