Antique Kyoto Kitchen Chest (Mizuya-Dansu) - FR19

This elegant two-section Antique Kyoto Kitchen Chest (Mizuya-Dansu), dating to the Meiji Period (circa 1890), perfectly captures the refined design and superior joinery that define furniture from Japan's cultural capital. Originally known as a "place of water" (mizuya) and used for food preparation and storage, this chest offers a highly versatile array of compartments, making it an ideal sideboard or entertainment unit for a contemporary home.

Features

This chest showcases a beautiful material contrast, combining the durability of Japanese Cedar (Sugi) for the main structure with the rich, active grain of Elm (Keyaki) on the primary facings. Its two-section stacking construction (Kasane-Dansu) remains practical for transport and placement.

The chest features a versatile three-part horizontal arrangement designed for kitchen efficiency. The Top Tier offers quick access with a full row of four small Sliding Doors (Hikido), each fitted with simple iron pull handles (Hikiite)—perfect for storing cutlery or spices.

The main Upper Cabinets below are particularly special, secured by two large sliding doors with a distinctive slatted panel design. Crucially, these doors retain the original copper mesh on the reverse, a historical detail used to provide ventilation while protecting preserved foods. Tucked into the upper section is a small, secure, private space, accessed by a kendon-buta (drop-fit door).

Finally, the Lower Cabinet is built for large-scale storage, accessed via two massive sliding doors (Hikido) that offer ample, deep space for bulky items, cookware, or linens.

The hardware throughout is characteristically restrained, allowing the warm, contrasting grains of the Elm and Cedar woods to take centre stage.