Small Chests, Boxes & Trunks

If you are after a unique bedside chest, a distinctive accent piece, or a collector's box, look no further. This fascinating collection contains antique small chests, highly specialised boxes, and vintage trunks/luggage. Many pieces are practical and strong enough to be used as a bedside cabinet or lamp stand.

Here you will find unique items such as the Hari Bako (sewing boxes), the classic Suzuri Bako (writing boxes), the secure Zeni Bako (money boxes), the fascinating Funa Dansu (ship chests), and Hiki dashi (jewellery and cosmetics boxes). We also feature vintage Japanese trunks and luggage pieces, often with historical travel heritage. These small, functional Tansu reflect the daily life and meticulous organisation of Japan from the Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods.

Our Commitment to Originality: Every small chest, box, and trunk is sold in its original, preserved condition. We specialise in restoration and strictly avoid harsh acids or stains, instead using a gentle Beeswax and Orange Oil finish to preserve the wood's historic colour and integrity. All pieces are professionally fumigated for safe import into Australia.

Delivery: Most of the items on this page can be shipped with a courier. Our regular furniture removalist services Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond. Check our Shipping page for full details.

To view our current collection or enquire about a specific piece, please call the shop at 07 5576 4488 or send us an email.

Vintage Kodansu

Origin Japan
Age: Showa era, 1930s
Material: Kiri (Paulownia), metal fittings
Dimensions: 60.5 x 60.5 x 31cm

Price: $595

Stock #: FQ16

Vintage Japanese Trunk - Leather

Origin: Japan
Age: Late Taishō/Early Shōwa Period (ca. 1920–1935)
Material: Leather over wood, Iron hardware
Dimensions: H 27 x W 85 x D 27cm

Price: $335

Stock #: OU02

Vintage Japanese Trunk - Matsuzakaya Brand

Origin: Japan (supplied by Matsuzakaya Department Store)
Age: Early Shōwa Period (ca. 1930s)
Material: Wood Core, Sheet Metal Cladding, Wood Slats, Brass Hardware, Striped Fabric Lining
Dimensions: H 33 x W 85 x D 43cm

Price: $395

Stock #: OU01

Kamakura-bori Hikidashi Box

Origin: Kamakura, Japan
Age: Shōwa Period (ca. 1960s)
Material: Carved Wood Panels (Exterior - Katsura), Shina Drawer Interiors, Red and Black Lacquer (Kamakura-bori)
Dimensions: H 24 x W 18 x D 23 cm

Price: $225

Stock #: FV11

Kamakura-bori Hikidashi

Origin: Kamakura, Japan
Age: Shōwa Period (ca. 1970s)
Material: Carved Wood Panels (Exterior - typically Katsura), Shina Drawer Interiors, Red and Black Lacquer (Kamakura-bori), Brass Handles
Dimensions: H 31 x W 24 x D 23 cm

Price: $245

Stock #: FV10

Moku-bako - Storage Box

Origin: Japan
Age: Early Shōwa Period (ca. 1930s)
Material: Cedar (Sugi) wood with metal reinforcements
Dimensions: H 42 x W 41 x D 22 cm

Price: $159

Stock #: FU16

Antique Zeni-bako - Strongbox

Origin: Japan
Age: Mid-Meiji Period (ca. 1880)
Material: Japanese Cedar (Sugi) with Heavy Iron Hardware and Rivets
Dimensions: H 29 x W 41 x D 29 cm

Price: $338

Stock #: FU27

Antique Hari bako - Sewing Box

Origin: Japan
Age: ca. 1920
Material: Mulberry, Paulownia & Cedar
Dimensions: H 49 x W 21 x D 23 cm

Price: $329

Stock #: FR33

Temoto dansu - Handy Chest

Origin: Japan
Age: ca. 1980
Material: Paulownia
Dimensions: H 48 x W 26 x D 69 cm

Price: $425

Stock #: FT62

Sho dansu - Book Chest

Origin: Kyoto Region, Japan
Age: ca. 1930s (Early Shōwa Period)
Wood: Sōgiri (All-Paulownia)
Dimensions: H 57 x W 42 x D 30 cm

Price: $696

Stock #: FT03

Cho-bako Funa dansu Sea Chest

Origin: Japan
Approx. Age: Taishō Period (ca. 1915)
Material: Paulownia (Kiri) Wood, Heavy Iron Hardware
Dimensions: H 42 x W 44 x D 23 cm

Price: $1,345

Stock #: FU46

If you want it oriental,

Do it with Japanache!