Authentic Antique Isho Dansu: Japanese Clothing Chests & Cabinets

The Isho Dansu—the specialised Japanese clothing Tansu—was historically designed to store valuable Kimono and Obi. While these antique Japanese chests were originally sized for traditional garments, their beautiful joinery and rich finishes make them highly sought-after today as practical, unique clothing cabinets and chests. These striking Tansu pieces migrated from the kura storehouse into the main home during the early Meiji period (c. 1870s) due to their intricate metal-work.

Our Commitment: Every antique Tansu is meticulously preserved and never stripped, using our gentle Beeswax and Orange Oil finish to maintain its original colour and integrity. All pieces are professionally fumigated for secure import into Australia.

To enquire or purchase, please call 07 5576 4488 or email us.

Delivery: We offer nationwide service across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Tasmania etc. See our Shipping page for rates.

Lacquered Sugi Isho-dansu

Origin: Japan (Ōmi Region, Shiga Prefecture)

Age: Late Meiji Period (ca. 1910)

Material: Lacquered Sugi (Cedar) and hand-forged Ironwork

Dimensions: H 103.5 x W 90 x D 39 cm

Price: $1,560

Stock #: FT12

Nihonmatsu Clothing Chest

Origin: Japan (Nihonmatsu, Fukushima-ken)

Age: Meiji Period (ca. 1890)

Material: Kiri (Paulownia)

Dimensions: H 104 x W 105 x D 44 cm

Price: $2,290

Stock #: FV02

Antique Nihonmatsu Clothing Chest

Origin: Japan (Nihonmatsu, Fukushima)

Age: Meiji Period (ca. 1890)

Material: Sugi (Cedar)

Dimensions: H 99.5 x W 95 x D 50 cm

Price: $1,840

Stock #: FM63

Vintage Wedding Chest - Yomeiri tansu

Origin: Kyoto, Japan

Age: Mid-Showa Period ca. 1970

Material: Paulownia (Kiri) Wood with Tonoko Finish

Dimensions: H 163 x W 94 x D 45 cm

Price: $1,595

Stock #: FU33

Antique Isho dansu Clothing Chest

Origin: Likely Northern Japan (Tōhoku Region)

Age: Late Meiji Period (ca. 1910)

Material: Cedar (sugi) Carcass with Paulownia (kiri) Drawer Fronts, Natural Clear Finish

Dimensions: H 105 x W 89 x D 47 cm

Price: $1,925

Stock #: FT08

Kannon Biraki Isho Dansu

Origin: Kanto Region, Japan

Age: Late Edo Period ca. 1860

Material: Paulownia (Kiri) Wood, Dark Lacquer Finish

Dimensions: H 104 x W 98 x D 44 cm

Price: $2,590

Stock #: FS16

Vintage Wedding Chest

Origin: Kyoto, Japan

Age: Showa Period ca. 1960

Material: Paulownia (Kiri) Wood with Tonoko Finish

Dimensions: H 175 x W 111.5 x D 46 cm

Price: $3,295

Stock #: FM17

Antique Clothing Tansu

Origin: Ōmi Region (Shiga Prefecture)

Age: Meiji Period (ca. 1890)

Material: Cedar (Sugi) & Paulownia (Kiri) Wood, Mahogany-Coloured Lacquer Finish

Dimensions: H 105 x W 93 x D 43.5 cm

Price: $1,621

Stock #: FJ034