Antique Japanese Taisho Era c1920's Kiri Wood Kasane Isho Dansu Kimono Chest 64"H

Taisho Era Kiri Wood Kasane Isho Dansu Kimono Chest Calligraphy Sliding Doors 64"H

Japan | Taisho Period, c. 1920s

A tall and well-proportioned two-section kasane isho dansu (重ね衣装箪笥) constructed entirely in kiri (paulownia), the traditional wood of choice for Japanese kimono storage. The upper section is fitted with a pair of sliding hikido (引き戸) doors faced with panels of antique Japanese calligraphy manuscript paper — a distinctive decorative choice that gives this piece singular character, the dense columns of brushed ink text reading as an abstract surface of considerable visual interest. Behind the sliding doors, the interior reveals open shelving and a small hinged inner cabinet, providing flexible storage for folded garments and accessories. Below the sliding doors, three small drawers with Warabite pulls and iron T-bar hardware offer additional compartmentalized storage. The lower section carries four graduated full-width drawers, each fitted with Warabite pulls on circular kakute escutcheons and copper-toned lock plates. Iron and copper hardware throughout: corner reinforcements, strap fittings, and byo-uchi nail accents in the characteristic Taisho manner. The kiri surfaces have been carefully restored to a clean, even tone.

Kiri (paulownia) was the unchallenged standard for isho dansu intended to house silk kimono and fine textiles — prized for its exceptional lightness, natural resistance to moisture and insects, and low thermal conductivity that protects delicate fabrics from temperature fluctuation. A chest of this height and configuration would have been a significant household furnishing, capable of housing a substantial kimono wardrobe in a traditional Japanese home.

Dimensions: 36"W × 16"D × 64"H (91 × 41 × 163 cm) Condition: Very good. Carefully restored. Calligraphy paper replacement on sliding door panels intact. Copper hardware sound throughout. Minor wear consistent with age and use.