18C Antique Japanese Apothecary Cabinet

A beautifully aged antique Japanese apothecary cabinet (kusuri-dansu), dating from the late 18th century. This special piece was used by apothecaries and medicine sellers to organise and store dried herbs, medicinal ingredients, minerals, and other small goods. The cabinet features numerous small drawers, each fitted with its own hand-forged iron pull, along with larger drawers below. This unit contains 102 drawers in total. 

Materials

Constructed from Japanese timber, with a dark, naturally aged exterior and lighter timber visible within the drawers. The chest retains its original hand-forged iron hardware, including the small ring pulls and larger warabite-style handles. Faint remnants of handwritten washi paper labels remain on several drawer fronts, adding to the evidence of its former working use.

Approx Dimensions

HEIGHT: 83.2cm / 32.75''
WIDTH: 64.5cm / 25.39''
DEPTH: 23.6cm / 9.29''

SMALL DRAWERS 
HEIGHT: 6cm / 2.36''
WIDTH: 6cm / 2.36''

LARGE DRAWERS 
HEIGHT: 9.3CM / 3.66''
WIDTH: 30.2CM / 11.88''

Condition & Antique Character

The chest has a deep, weathered surface with extensive rubbing, fading, scratches, dents, and variations in colour across the timber. The finish has worn back considerably in places, revealing the natural grain beneath and giving the cabinet a particularly dry and rustic appearance.

The drawer fronts retain numerous marks from repeated opening and handling, while the original iron fittings have developed a deep, naturally darkened patina. Some of the original paper labels survive in fragmentary form, with age-related fading and surface losses.

Small gaps and variations around the timber joints are consistent with the natural movement of an old wooden cabinet. Minor timber losses, edge wear, old repairs, and other marks of age may be present. The chest retains the character of a working piece of Edo-period commercial furniture rather than a highly restored decorative object.

The cabinet shows significant historical woodworm damage throughout, all of which has been treated. Certain sections of the original timber experienced decay and have likewise been treated. Additionally, the bottom base has been replaced to give it extra sturdiness.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.