Showa Era Japanese Tea Chest Cha Tansu Dansu, Circa 1950

A vintage unrestored Japanese tea chest dating to the Showa era, circa 1950. Designed to store and display tea items, it melds the beauty of tea ceremony with functional storage. Cabinets like this are often referred to as cha-tansu, but are more properly called cha-dansu (茶箪笥). “Cha” means tea, and “tansu” is an item used for storage. When hyphenated, “tansu” becomes “dansu”, hence the term cha-dansu. With its versatile size and lovely proportions, this cha-dansu makes a beautiful and practical addition to any room.

Features 2 sliding doors at the top opening to a single compartment spanning the full width of the chest, and 2 drawers at the bottom. The center section is devoted to display, and is fronted by 2 sliding glass doors. Behind this are several asymmetrical shelves, 2 small drawers, and a lift-front cubby. (Note that sliding doors were removed in some photos to better show the interior. Doors are designed to be easily removed.)

Chest is sturdy with age appropriate wear throughout; please see condition report and photos and feel free to ask questions. This is a genuine unrestored artifact with age, charm, and patina. Buyer will appreciate its rustic beauty, or may elect to undertake some cleaning and polishing if a more refined appearance is desired. The chest front has beautiful wood and graining which may be easily enhanced.

Measures 32 inches wide x 37 inches tall x 10.75 inches deep.