We think of them as the Japanese version of a hutch or buffet, except they hold more than dishes and linens. The Japanese kitchen chest, or mizuya tansu, is a traditional furnishing that holds kitchen utensils, food, tea wares and supplies. Filled with drawers and cabinet doors, kitchen tansus are crafted in wood, often very finely. We've gathered a few to show here...

We think a mizuya tansu would be a perfect furnishing in a small kitchen without a pantry. It could take some of the storage burden off of overhead cabinets and move when you do. All tansus shown here are antiques from The Zentner Collection. Top photo: David Jackson: Craftsman