Antique Japanese c1880’s Meiji Era Hibachi Wooden Brazier 5 Drawer Tansu 23”

This type of chest was the center of social life in a Meiji era home (1868-1912). It was actually a hibachi or brazier in which tea water was brewed. It has its original copper liner in which ash was once filled to half way on which coals were set to warm the tea water. It is made of zelkova wood to show off the beautiful grain It is trimmed in persimmon wood. The drawer interiors are made of kiri (paulownia).  Large inset side handles aided in moving the chest even when hot coals burned inside. Five drawers were used to house everything from iron chopsticks for tending the coals to extra charcoal, as well as paraphernalia for serving tea.

We’ve added a locally made custom solid iron base to raise this piece to very convenient coffee table level. 

Length = 23.25”

Height = 12.5” + 7.25” base  Total = 20”

Depth = 13.5”

This hibachi tansu chest is made with pegged-tenon open-mortise corner box joint construction. This chest has all its 140 year old deep rich patina. All drawers move easily without binding. The handles are made of hand forged copper.

This chest has a century and a half old original warm aged patina and, having been used lovingly for over a century, it remains in very good original antique condition and should serve one well for another century of use. Add glass to the top and it would make a very unique coffee table. With the deep copper liner it would make a stunning shadow box for any collection. A great piece of Japanese history and an interesting and very solid and functional piece of furniture.