Vintage Japanese lowboy tansu chest of drawers

Vintage Japanese lowboy tansu chest of drawers

Chests of drawers

£125

Delivery to London and Southeast for £60

Description

Vintage mid century Japanese tansu chest of two drawers made in the 1950s probably (though that's a semi educated guess..) out of an Asian timber, likely kiri wood. A tansu is basically a portable box with drawers or cupboards traditionally intended for storing and carrying kimonos, and this has two retractable handles on top. It also has fixings at the bottom where it would have joined on to another one: this were generally modular so could be several units high. This is the highest one as it has the polished top and is perfect for stand alone use as a storage chest, a side low boy or even a coffee table (though the back isn't as finished as the other sides). Big round locks on the drawers (no keys I'm afraid); metal drop handles and corners. Condition is pretty good structurally: it's solid enough; a little movement in parts but not too bad. These were often slightly flimsy: I wouldn't let a Sumo sit on them but they're fine for normal usage. Cosmetically there are various signs of age: scuffs, scratches and marks etc, particularly on top; all part of the look really. It's had some light worm damage; we've treated it all just in case. Dimensions: 90cm x 39cm x 48cm high