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
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I think my favorite style is the step tansu. It'd make a great room divider as well.
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Love that you're writing about this! I have one from my parents and I think it's the one piece that I will hold on to forever. It's similar to a built in and can be used for anything. The Japanese come up with the greatest products!
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I heard that one of the points of tansus is that they could be easily wheeled or lifted out of japanese houses when fire (often) threatened... is that a total fairytale? cool if true.
view Philip_Littell's profile
great pieces.
view rainierzed's profile
If you want some lovely ones that aren't antiques, you could look at Greentea Design.
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