Small antique Japanese tansu cabinet in paulownia wood (Paulownia spp.) with drawers and sliding doors, dating from the late Meiji period to the early Taisho period, circa 1890–1926.
This compact Japanese tansu cabinet was typically used in domestic interiors to store documents, textiles and personal objects. Its low format and well-organized arrangement of compartments made it a practical storage solution within traditional Japanese homes.
The piece is constructed in paulownia wood (Paulownia spp.), a material highly valued in Japanese furniture making for its light weight, dimensional stability and natural resistance to humidity. These properties made it particularly suitable for storing textiles, papers and delicate objects.
The design combines drawers of different sizes, a central compartment with sliding doors, and a larger lower drawer. The metal hardware and corner reinforcements add structural strength and reflect the functional aesthetic typical of traditional tansu furniture.
The surface retains a rich natural patina with signs of age and use, developed over decades of everyday use. These marks contribute to the authentic character of antique Japanese furniture.
Today this piece can function as a small side cabinet, storage unit or decorative accent in contemporary interiors, particularly those inspired by wabi-sabi or japandi aesthetics, where natural materials and aged surfaces are highly appreciated.
Details
Origin: Japan
Period: Late Meiji – early Taisho period
Date of manufacture: circa 1890–1926
Materials: paulownia wood (Paulownia spp.)
Dimensions: Length: 63 cm Depth: 32 cm Height: 50 cm
Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
This piece forms part of the collection of Amaru Antiques, Barcelona.
The state of conservation is optimal, except for the characteristic imperfections of any antique produced by the passage of time.
Give a point of originality to your home with a unique piece, which merges with the contemporary style bringing personality to your home. This small antique storage cabinet can be combined with one of our sideboards or with our available antique bowls.
ONE OF A KIND
