Early 20C Japanese Two-Section Mizuya Tansu

A vintage Japanese Mizuya Tansu - kitchen or dining cabinet, dating from approximately 1920–1940, spanning the Taishō (1912–1926) and early Shōwa (1926–1989) periods. Constructed in two independent stacking sections, the cabinet features wood-framed glass sliding doors, multiple drawers, and smaller storage compartments. The natural honey-brown timber has a strongly figured grain and contrasts with the original dark iron fittings.

Materials

The frame is constructed from Japanese hard wood, likely to be chesnunt, and the drawers are made in different hard wood which is likely to be Japanese Zelkova. Both carry a natural, warm-toned finish that highlights the grain and variation of the woods. The cabinet retains its original wood-framed glass sliding doors and hand-forged iron hardware, including inset sliding-door pulls and warabite-style drawer handles. The interior retains areas of darker historic timber coloration.

APPROX. Dimensions

HEIGHT: 138.4 CM / 54.48''
WIDTH: 93.5 CM / 36.81''
DEPTH: 43.2 CM / 17.00''

Condition & Antique Character

The cabinet has been cleaned and lightly restored to reveal its natural wood appearance. The timber retains a warm, varied surface with prominent grain, along with light scuffs, scratches, minor shrinkage gaps, and other marks consistent with age and previous household use.

The interior compartments show darker historic staining and variations in colour. One of the smaller internal drawers retains a historic red ink or dye mark in the base, as pictured. The glass panels, non-original, remain intact and clear, while the iron fittings have developed a naturally darkened patina.

The two sections remain structurally separate, retaining the original kasane stacking construction. Minor timber losses, edge wear, old repairs, and other age-related marks may be present. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.