Description Up for sale is a rare and beautiful small-sized vintage Japanese Paulownia wood chest of drawers (Kiri-Tansu), dating back to the pre-World War II era (Early Showa period, circa 1930s-1940s).
This historic piece carries an original paper label on the back proving its unique origin: it was manufactured by the renowned "Soma Tansu-ten" in Asakusa, Tokyo, and distributed by the prominent "Murakami Kagu-ten" in Hakata, Fukuoka, as the exclusive agent for the Kyushu region.
Crucially, the label features the historical address "Tokyo-shi Asakusa-ku" (Tokyo City, Asakusa Ward). Since this administrative name was officially abolished in 1947 (when it became part of Taito Ward), this piece is guaranteed to be a genuine prewar Japanese antique.
Crafted from premium Paulownia (Kiri) wood—highly prized in Japan for its natural moisture resistance and lightweight properties—this compact chest is perfect for storing jewelry, documents, or small collectibles. It brings an authentic touch of rustic "Wa-Modern" (Japanese Modern) elegance and historical storytelling to any home decor.
Size & Weight
Width: Approx. 49.0 cm / 19.29 inches
Depth: Approx. 32.7 cm / 12.87 inches
Height: Approx. 46.8 cm / 18.42 inches
Weight: Approx. 5,000 g / 11.02 lbs
Item Condition Condition: Prewar Vintage / Antique
This item is in great, fully functional vintage condition.
All drawers pull out and push in smoothly with no major sticking or wobbling.
As an authentic antique that has survived decades, it exhibits beautiful natural signs of aging, including surface scratches, minor dents, and natural coloration changes/patina in the wood (as shown in the high-resolution photos). These characteristics emphasize its true history and antique value.
Safe & Secure Shipping Due to the historical and wooden nature of this furniture piece, it will be wrapped extensively in thick bubble wrap and housed in a rigid, heavy-duty cardboard box to prevent any shifting during air transit.
We will ship directly from Japan via premium expedited couriers (DHL, FedEx, or Japan Post EMS) with full online tracking and insurance.
International Buyers - Please Note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.