japanese wooden chest tansu
A rustic brown wooden chest with metal latch hardware sits against a white wall, styled with a small metal pitcher, dried flowers, a ceramic bear figurine, and a blue patterned textile hanging behind it. A woven basket is partially visible at the lower right.
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japanese wooden tansu
Close-up of a rustic dark metal round latch and keyhole on a weathered brown wooden surface.
japanese wooden tansu
Close-up of a dark brown wooden surface with black painted Japanese characters and visible wood grain texture.
Close-up of a rustic dark brown wooden box with black painted characters, positioned next to a woven straw basket.
japanese wooden tansu
A close-up of a dark, weathered wooden surface with visible grain, scratches, and wear, showing brown and black tones with lighter tan highlights.
japanese wooden tansu
An open wooden storage chest or trunk made of light natural wood, showing the inner lid with visible grain, knots, and a few small dark marks. A patterned blue fabric is draped behind the top of the chest against a white wall.
A rustic wooden storage chest with an open lid, showing natural wood grain and dark painted markings on the front, photographed against a white background with a woven basket partially visible on the right.
japanese wooden tansu
A vintage Japanese wooden storage chest with black painted kanji characters on the front, featuring dark metal corner brackets and hinges, set against a white background.
Close-up of a rustic wooden storage chest or trunk with heavy metal corner brackets on a weathered brown wood surface.

Early 19th Century Japanese Cedar Merchant’s Travelling Trunk

£345.00
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SKU: ITEM-3114
Availability : In Stock In Stock Out of stock
Categories: Cabinets, Furniture, New Stock, Stock
Description

This stunning, rustic, rectangular Japanese storage trunk—or tansu—dates back to the early 19th century. Born out of the economic boom of the late Edo period (1603–1867), these utilitarian pieces prioritised rugged durability over decorative luxury to help merchants manage, store, and transport their inventory. This piece is crafted from Japanese cedar wood (sugi), a material favoured for its lightweight frame and natural weather resistance. It features a sturdy, plank-built rectangular body with straight, vertical sides and a thick, flat lid secured by internal hinges. The front lip is detailed with a large, distinctive circular iron faceplate and a dropped vertical loop mechanism designed for a traditional padlock. Below, the front face features prominent, hand-painted black calligraphy characters, which traditionally indicated a family name, merchant guild, or shipping destination. Decades of historic use have given the wood a beautifully aged, honey-brown patina, complete with natural wood parting lines, noticeable scuffs, and soft, rounded edges. Combining rich history with practical function, this versatile antique would make a striking focal coffee table or an entryway storage bench in any modern home.

The dimensions are as follows: H: 66.5cm - W: 55.5cm - L: 82cm 

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