Japanese Kiri Wood Kodansu Personal Tansu Four Drawer Chest Showa Period 9"

Japanese Kiri Wood Kodansu Personal Tansu Four Drawer Chest Showa Period

Japan, mid/late-Showa period, circa 1940–1970

9 in. W × 9 in. H × 5.5 in. D (23 × 23 × 14 cm)

A compact kodansu (小箪笥) personal chest constructed entirely of kiri (桐, paulownia), the traditional wood of choice for small storage furniture prized for its exceptional lightness, low moisture absorption, and natural resistance to insects. The case presents four drawers in an asymmetric arrangement — two half-width drawers across the top register, a three-quarter-width drawer at center, and a full-width drawer below — fitted throughout with black-lacquered iron bail pulls on shaped backer plates. The exterior surfaces display the silvery-grey patina characteristic of aged kiri, the open grain catching light across the face and side panels. Drawer interiors are clean and unlined. Case construction is flush-sided with a simple plinth base and no iron corner reinforcement, reflecting the understated domestic character of the form.

Condition: Very good. Exterior kiri shows even silvered patina with minor handling wear. Drawers slide smoothly. Hardware intact throughout with appropriate surface oxidation. No losses, repairs, or significant damage noted.

A well-proportioned example of the kodansu form in classic kiri, suited equally to display or daily use.