An exceptional example of Japanese cabinetry, this merchant’s chest fashioned from richly grained Keyaki (zelkova) wood, This Japanese merchant’s chest (Tansu) radiates warmth in its reddish-brown tones. Strong iron fittings, brackets, handles, and lock plates, lend a sense of permanence, while the interplay of drawers and sliding doors with circular iron plates creates rhythm and balance. Every detail reflects the cultural heritage of Japanese interiors: utility refined into elegance. Time has left its mark in the chest’s patina, transforming it into not just furniture, but a living testament to artistry and tradition.

Internal reference : SAI4024

Physical Dimensions

Height

81cm (31.89")

Width

77cm (30.31")

Depth

40cm (15.75")

Declaration

Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors has dated this Japanese Keyaki Tansu Chest to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1186124

Dealers Internal Reference

SAI4024

Dealers Notes

All measurements are done to the widest point .

Please feel free to contact me with any enquiry or for more pictures .

Delivery :

We can arrange to deliver any where in the world just let us know your destination and we will get a quote for you .

Here at Sinclair's Antiques and Interiors we do our utmost best to ensure all our items are described and photographed to show any flaws or damage such as shrinkage splits, losses or lifts to veneer, repairs or marks. However giving the age and the fact that each piece will have had years of polishing to create its own individual character we cannot describe every minor mark separately and therefore recommend you either visit our warehouse or request extra photographs.

We offer a 7 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with any of your items purchased from us however cannot refund the return shipping cost.

If you are not sure please do not purchase without contacting us.

Description

“

Strong iron fittings, brackets, handles, and lock plates, lend a sense of permanence, while the interplay of drawers and sliding doors with circular iron plates creates rhythm and balance.

Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

Every detail reflects the cultural heritage of Japanese interiors: utility refined into elegance. Time has left its mark in the chest’s patina, transforming it into not just furniture, but a living testament to artistry and tradition.

Internal reference : SAI4024

Physical Dimensions

Height

81cm (31.89")

Width

77cm (30.31")

Depth

40cm (15.75")

Date of Manufacture

Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors has dated this Japanese Keyaki Tansu Chest to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1186124

Dealers Internal Ref

SAI4024

About the Dealer

Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2017

A family run business , second generation of antique dealers est 1977 with 3 warehouses over 6000 sq ft

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors Profile Page

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A Japanese keyaki wood merchant chest featuring multiple drawers, sliding central doors, and dark iron corner brackets and handles.

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Archive I

Japanese Keyaki Merchant Chest

Archive II

A Japanese keyaki wood merchant chest featuring multiple drawers, sliding central doors, and dark iron corner brackets and handles. View II

Archive III

A Japanese keyaki wood merchant chest featuring multiple drawers, sliding central doors, and dark iron corner brackets and handles. View III

Archive IV

A Japanese keyaki wood merchant chest featuring multiple drawers, sliding central doors, and dark iron corner brackets and handles. View IV

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A Japanese keyaki wood merchant chest featuring multiple drawers, sliding central doors, and dark iron corner brackets and handles. View V

Archive VI

A Japanese keyaki wood merchant chest featuring multiple drawers, sliding central doors, and dark iron corner brackets and handles. View VI

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A Japanese keyaki wood merchant chest featuring multiple drawers, sliding central doors, and dark iron corner brackets and handles. View VII

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A Japanese keyaki wood merchant chest featuring multiple drawers, sliding central doors, and dark iron corner brackets and handles. View VIII

Archive IX

A Japanese keyaki wood merchant chest featuring multiple drawers, sliding central doors, and dark iron corner brackets and handles. View IX

Archive X

A Japanese keyaki wood merchant chest featuring multiple drawers, sliding central doors, and dark iron corner brackets and handles. View X

Archive XI

A Japanese keyaki wood merchant chest featuring multiple drawers, sliding central doors, and dark iron corner brackets and handles. View XI

Archive XII

A Japanese keyaki wood merchant chest featuring multiple drawers, sliding central doors, and dark iron corner brackets and handles. View XII

Archive XIII

A Japanese keyaki wood merchant chest featuring multiple drawers, sliding central doors, and dark iron corner brackets and handles. View XIII

Archive XIV

A Japanese keyaki wood merchant chest featuring multiple drawers, sliding central doors, and dark iron corner brackets and handles. View XIV

A merchant tansu, or chona-bako, is a traditional Japanese cabinetry piece crafted specifically for trade workers to store accounting books, money, and merchandise. Originating in the Edo and Meiji periods, these chests feature multiple drawers, sliding doors, and secure iron hardware.

Tansu chests are typically constructed from native Japanese hardwoods such as keyaki (elm) for display surfaces, paired with softwood interiors like sugi (cedar) or kiri (paulownia) to resist humidity. The structural corners and handles are reinforced with hand-forged iron fittings.

Authentic pieces display traditional joinery techniques, natural patina on the timber, and hand-hammered iron plates with functional lock mechanisms. The wood often shows minor contraction marks around drawer joints due to age and environmental changes.

These chests function effectively as statement focal points in hallways, living rooms, or dining areas. Their structured geometric lines and rich timber tones pair well with contemporary minimalist decor, neutral palettes, and mid-century modern furnishings.

Maintain the finish by dusting with a soft, dry cloth and applying a high-grade beeswax paste sparingly along the grain. Keep the cabinet away from direct heat sources and sudden humidity shifts to prevent timber warping or iron oxidisation.

Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

Japanese Keyaki Merchant Chest

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Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

Japanese Keyaki Merchant Chest

Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

Email Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

Cataloguer’s note

FAQs

What is a Japanese merchant tansu chest?

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How do you identify authentic antique Japanese tansu?

How can a Japanese tansu chest be styled in modern interiors?

How should you clean and preserve an antique wooden tansu?

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Price

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