Skip to main content

Chinese Tansu Chest

Japanese antique wooden drawer/1868-1920/Wabi-Sabi "tansu" drawer
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
. This was originally a drawer for storing Chinese medicine, etc., and was used in drug stores. Therefore
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Vintage Burl Wood & Brass Tansu Chest
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home a sense of timeless adventure with this fantastic Asiatic burl wood tansu style chest
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Burl Wood & Brass Tansu Chest
Vintage Burl Wood & Brass Tansu Chest
H 23 in W 21.5 in D 14 in
Vintage Burl Mahogany Tansu Chest with Paper Antique Calligraphy Lining
Located in Lomita, CA
class during the last democratic government in China, according to the translator. Tansu chests were
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Brass

Vintage Tansu Staircase Side Cabinet
Located in Yonkers, NY
by the Tansu chests of Japan, incorporates a stunning staircase façade. This multifunctional marvel
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Vintage Tansu Staircase Side Cabinet
Vintage Tansu Staircase Side Cabinet
H 22.5 in W 30.75 in D 13.5 in

People Also Browsed

Special Japanese antique wooden low table/1868-1900/wabisabi cafe table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an item from the Meiji era to the Taisho era in Japan. This board was originally sawn by farmers to repair roofs, etc. It was stored in the attic without being used. The mate...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sofa Tables

Materials

Cherry, Cedar

Japanese Antique Low Table/Japanese paper pasting/1868s-1912s WabiSabi Primitive
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is a low table using old wood and old Japanese paper. The top board is stacked with old Japanese paper on a pine tree and dyed with persimmon juice, ink, and black Urushi. Whi...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Pine

Japanese Tansu with White Sliding Doors
Located in Somis, CA
A most charming Tansu. The sliding doors are covered in white Japanese hand made rice paper in traditional shell pattern and fitted with oval bronze hardware. Behind the doors a larg...
Category

20th Century Japanese Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Paper

Japanese Tansu with White Sliding Doors
Japanese Tansu with White Sliding Doors
H 28.75 in W 33.5 in D 14 in
Organic Modern Small Table Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE SMALL table lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant's Foot– for the prominent shape at its ba...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Textile, Wood

1950's Amazing "Magic Box' Organiser Bureau Compact Plywood Ateliers Genestar
By Mummenthaler and Meier
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
This 'Magic Box' organising desk has been produced by various manufactures in Europe in the 1950's and 1960's Commonly this desk is known as produced in Switzerland by Mummenthale...
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Plywood

Japanese Antique Wabisabi Sliding Door 1860s-1900s/Object Mingei Art
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese sliding door. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of cedar wood, bamboo, tin, and various other materials. It is the ultimate in simpli...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Doors and Gates

Materials

Steel

Pair of Compas Wood Counter Stools, Italy
By Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Jean Prouvé
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Pair of compas counter stools or high chairs, wood and rope. In the mood of Pierre Jeanneret, Chandigarh, Le Corbusier, Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand, Gio Ponti, Osvaldo Borsani.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Rope

Pair of Compas Wood Counter Stools, Italy
Pair of Compas Wood Counter Stools, Italy
H 29.93 in W 18.9 in D 20.48 in
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Modular Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole four piece modular sofa / chair set, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in luxurious 100% alpaca. Marked on the unders...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Alpaca

Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward
By Henry Ward
Located in Amsterdam, NL
England, third quarter of the 19th century On two scrolling foliate feet with casters, above which a rectangular two-side glazed frame, with on top a two-sided shield with initial...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy

Materials

Other

Paolo Buffa Large Highboard in Chestnut
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paolo Buffa, wardrobe or armoire, chestnut, Italy, 1940s This rare wardrobe has a subtle decorative character and is created by the talented Italian designer and architect Paolo Buf...
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Chestnut

Paolo Buffa Large Highboard in Chestnut
Paolo Buffa Large Highboard in Chestnut
H 70.87 in W 86.42 in D 19.57 in
Japanese Antique Chests of Drawers 1800s-1860s/Safe Storage Cabinet Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is an old Japanese drawer. It is an item from the Edo period (1800s-1860s). It has a keyed door so that it can also be used as a safe. Both metal fittings are attached with very ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Corbu Bedside Table by DeMuro Das in Charcoal Carta and Solid Walnut
By DeMuro Das
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the graphic motifs of Le Corbusier's mural paintings, the solid form of the Corbu bedside table is defined by rhythmically placed handles. Architectural legs lend support...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Solid Black Oak Round Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This solid wood coffee table is handcrafted out of oak solid wood that retains its natural character.
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Oak

Contemporary Minimal Round Coffee Side Table in Travertine Stone Natural Pores
By Hommes Studio
Located in Porto, PT
Lunarys Large Side Table is an outstanding modern design piece. A key side table for a contemporary living room project seems to come directly from space. Made in travertine stone is...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Travertine

'Pompeiana' Corner Cabinet by Piero Fornasetti, Italy, 2 of 2 in 1988, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 'much larger than it looks' collectors item is the 'Pompeiana' corner cabinet by Piero Fornasetti, completed in 1988, signed, dated and numbered 2 of 2. Fornasetti cabinets, es...
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Corner Cupboards

Materials

Brass

Pinewood Cabinet with Mosaic of Black and Gold Ceramic and bronze handle
By WH Studio
Located in Paris, FR
A pinewood cabinet veneered with a mosaic of black and gold ceramic. The doors open onto an inside in oak fitted with shelves. The handle in bronze. Stamped WH STUDIO. Unique pièce.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cabinets

Materials

Ceramic

Recent Sales

19th Century Japanese Kimono Tansu
By Japanese Studio
Located in Washington, DC
Striking two section, kiri wood tansu with hand forged iron and bronze decorative hardware. chest
Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze, Iron

19th Century Japanese Kimono Tansu
19th Century Japanese Kimono Tansu
H 38.5 in W 38 in D 17 in
Korean Bandaji Hardwood Tansu Storage Chest
Located in New York, NY
Korean Bandaji hardwood storage tansu chest, 19th century, with drop-front panel with a large
Category

Antique 19th Century Korean Chinese Export Blanket Chests

Materials

Metal

Vintage Chinese Chinoiserie Tansu Butterfly Chest Nightstand Side Table Cabinet
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Chinese Chinoiserie Tansu chest, nightstand or side table. Made of pine with a rosewood
Category

20th Century Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood

Black Lacquer Tansu Chest Cabinet, Japanese Meiji Period
Located in San Francisco, CA
A small beautifully black lacquered tansu chest with original hardware and having seven drawers
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Elm Mother of Pearl Cabinet Chest on Stand Chinoiserie Ming Tansu Style
Located in Dayton, OH
An exquisite Chinese chest or cabinet on stand. A rectangular form made from elm with vibrant
Category

20th Century Ming Furniture

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Elm

Korean Elm Wood and Brass Tansu Chests, a Pair
Located in Charleston, SC
A fantastic pair of antique Chinese Tansu end table or nightstands. They have brass inlay on the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Central Asian Chinoiserie Night Stands

Materials

Brass

Japanese Master Carpenter's Tansu 51 Professional Nomi Carpenter's Carving Tools
Located in South Burlington, VT
works from Japan. A very unusual treasure.... This is an original wooden carpentry tansu (chest
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Furniture

Materials

Iron

Set of Four Paneled Door Chests
Located in Chicago, IL
An unusual set of four walnut stacking bookcases similar to a traditional Japanese tansu, each with
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Set of Four Paneled Door Chests
Set of Four Paneled Door Chests
H 18 in W 33 in D 21 in
Pair of Elm Tansu Chests
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chests are elegant and ready to be used in any living or bedroom space for years to come.
Category

Vintage 1940s Chinese Chinese Export Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Pair of Elm Tansu Chests
Pair of Elm Tansu Chests
H 21 in W 23.25 in D 12.75 in
Chinese Lacquer Tansu Semanier Lingerie Jewelry Armoire Chest Dresser Chinoiseri
Located in Dayton, OH
Chinese jewelry armoire, chest or dresser featuring hand painted detail of pagodas, landscapes
Category

Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Asian Tansu Matching Hand Painted Cabinets
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elegant and vibrant pair of matching Chinese tansu small chests with one drawer at top and a large
Category

Mid-20th Century Korean Chinoiserie Night Stands

Materials

Metal

Tansu Chest
Located in New York, NY
Four-drawer Tansu chest with antique brass hardware
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Apothecary Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Tansu Chest
Tansu Chest
H 20 in W 18.25 in D 10 in
Chest on Chest
Located in East Hampton, NY
Japanese inspired tansu type Chinese chest on chest
Category

Antique 19th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Chest on Chest
Chest on Chest
H 48 in W 34.5 in D 17.5 in
Entertainment Chest
Located in San Francisco, CA
for dvd storage. Constructed with chinese elm wood and finished in a rich brown lacquer. Tansu
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Cabinets

Entertainment Chest
Entertainment Chest
H 30.25 in W 72 in D 22 in
Side Chest
Located in San Francisco, CA
Exclusive to Tansu Design, contemporary side chests with crackled cream colored finish. Only 2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Cabinets

Materials

Elm

Side Chest
Side Chest
H 33 in W 27 in D 15.75 in
Black Lacquer Sideboard with Bamboo Stick Doors
Located in San Francisco, CA
Contemporary four door sideboard chest from China. The mesh panel on the doors are constructed from
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Buffets

Black Lacquer Sideboard with Bamboo Stick Doors
Black Lacquer Sideboard with Bamboo Stick Doors
H 36.325 in W 62.325 in D 13.5 in
Kyoto Style Mizuya Dansu
Located in San Francisco, CA
Contemporary Kyoto style Japanese Mizuya Dansu( kitchen chest) made with solid reclaimed elmwood
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Cabinets

Kyoto Style Mizuya Dansu
Kyoto Style Mizuya Dansu
H 69.325 in W 92.5 in D 18 in
Gifu Style Half Mizuya
Located in San Francisco, CA
Contemporary Gifu style blond mizuya tansu( kitchen chest) made with solid reclaimed elmwood. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Buffets

Gifu Style Half Mizuya
Gifu Style Half Mizuya
H 37 in W 62.325 in D 22.5 in
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Chinese Tansu Chest", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Questions About Chinese Tansu Chest
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    Tansu refers to Japanese portable storage chests. When tansu became a well-known feature of life in Japan — the chests’ emergence is said to be rooted in the Genroku era of the Edo period (1688–1704) — the country’s traditionally minimalist households had little to no proper seats, tables, or other pieces of furniture. Tansu were intended to be multipurpose cabinets. These case pieces were used to store things of everyday utility, such as clothing and various personal items. Tansu are regarded as collectible furniture with a timeless appeal. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary Tansu from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A tansu chest is a Japanese cabinet designed for easy transportation and can store a variety of items, including clothes and personal items. Tansu chests often feature multiple compartments to keep items organized. Shop a selection of authentic tansu chests on 1stDibs.

Read More

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

What Exactly Is a Secretary Desk, and What Is It Used For?

The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.

This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once

Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.

28 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name

Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.

Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition

Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.

Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way

Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.

Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture

In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.

These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project

From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.