Late Meiji–Taisho Japanese Kanto Mizuya Tansu in Kiri and Figured Keyaki

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A Japanese two-part Kanto Mizuya Tansu kitchen cupboard dating to the late Meiji–Taisho period, constructed as a traditional stacking cabinet … Read more A Japanese two-part Kanto Mizuya Tansu kitchen cupboard dating to the late Meiji–Taisho period, constructed as a traditional stacking cabinet with a restrained pale Kiri framework and highly figured Keyaki show panels. The compact 34.5-inch width gives the cabinet considerable architectural presence while remaining more adaptable to contemporary interiors than many larger surviving mizuya.

The upper section incorporates two highly figured Keyaki sliding doors, while the middle section is fitted with two lattice-front sliding doors providing ventilation. The lower section combines two solid sliding doors over three smaller drawers and two larger drawers. Ebonised iron hikite pulls provide a strong visual counterpoint to the pale structural timber and richly figured door and drawer fronts.

Constructed in Kiri, or Japanese paulownia, with highly figured Keyaki, or Japanese zelkova, selected for the principal show surfaces, the cabinet displays the deliberate hierarchy of woods associated with quality Japanese cabinetry. The drawer photographs support solid figured wood fronts rather than an applied veneer, while traditional mortise-and-tenon construction and two-part stacking form are consistent with period manufacture.

The supplied research independently identifies this exact cabinet as a Kanto-region Mizuya Dansu of the Meiji to Taisho period, with the same dimensions, wood combination, lattice configuration, iron hardware and affixed Genji Japanese Antiques tag. The working date is approximately c.1890–1925. Its exceptionally well-preserved condition retains a notably clean natural appearance without diminishing the visible period construction.

Measurements: 55.25 in H × 34.5 in W × 17.75 in D

Style: Japanese, Meiji-Taisho, Traditional

Origin: Japan, probably Kanto region

Age: Late Meiji–Taisho, c.1890–1925 See less