Authentic Antique Choba Dansu: Japanese Merchant & Shop Chests

The Choba Dansu is one of the most intriguing forms of Japanese antique furniture. Historically known as the Merchant Chest or Shop Chest (Choba dansu), these pieces were found all over Japan in stores and used by travelling merchants to secure vital business records and currency. A key feature of the Choba Tansu is its security: these pieces often contain hidden safety boxes (kakushi-kinobako) where valuable documents and treasures were secretly stored. This rich history makes them highly sought-after today.

Today, the unique security features and strong design of these Tansu make them perfect as distinctive storage cabinets, console tables, or accent pieces in a modern home.

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.

For enquiries or to view our current collection, please call the shop at 07 5576 4488 or send an email.

Delivery: Our regular furniture removalist services Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond. Check our Shipping page for details.

Vintage Japanese Document Chest

Age early Showa (ca 1930)
H 42 x W 51 x D 39cm
Wood Hinoki
Region Shiga
Price $679

Antique Choba dansu - Ledger Chest

Age Meiji Period 1890's
Height 735mm
Width 755mm
Depth 375mm
Wood Hinoki & Sugi (Cypress & Cedar)
Region Omi
Price $1775

Meiji Period Choba Dansu

Age Early Meiji Period (ca. 1870)
Height 880mm
Width 880mm
Depth 440mm
Wood Sugi & Hinoki (Japanese cedar & Cypress)
Region Gifu
 
Price $1839
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