Small Japanese multi-drawer cabinet (ko-dansu) made of Japanese cedar —Cryptomeria japonica—, originating from Japan and dating to the late Taishō and early Showa periods, circa 1920–1945. These compact storage cabinets were commonly used in homes, shops and workshops to organize documents, tools, seals or small everyday objects.
The cabinet features a compact structure with five drawers of varying sizes, a typical layout designed to store items of different formats. On the side, a small wooden carrying handle remains visible, indicating the practical and portable nature of the piece.
The surface preserves traces of its original reddish-brown finish, now softened by decades of use and revealing the grain of the cedar beneath, creating a natural patina highly appreciated in Japanese utilitarian furniture. The interiors of the drawers retain the lighter untreated wood typical of working furniture from the period.
Today these small Japanese drawer cabinets are often used as desk organizers, jewelry cabinets or curiosity cabinets, integrating beautifully into interiors inspired by wabi-sabi, Japandi or Japanese minimalist design.
Details
Dimensions: 26 cm width × 21 cm depth × 21 cm height
Style: Taishō
Materials and techniques: Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
Place of origin: Japan
Period: Late Taishō – early Showa period
Date of manufacture: circa 1920–1945
Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use, with natural patina.
This piece is 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 Japanese chest of drawers can be combined with any of our low living room tables or with our available antique bowls.
ONE OF A KIND
