Vintage Japanese Ko Dansu Side Cabinet - Paulownia | Showa

A vintage Japanese ko dansu side cabinet. Made from kiri (paulownia) wood, with iron hardware. Showa period, mid 20th century.

The front face is arranged with a wide upper sliding door section, three graduated small drawers to the right, and a full-width drawer across the base fitted with two bail handles and a central lock. The paulownia grain is clearly visible across all panels, warm and even in tone, with aged iron hardware throughout. A useful and compact piece for a bedroom or study.

Ko dansu were small household storage cabinets used in Japanese homes for personal items, documents, and valuables. Their compact form and mix of drawers and concealed compartments made them a versatile everyday fixture.