I’m always looking for interesting ways to display my collections and vintage vignettes. Tansus, which are the cabinets created from the woodworking craft developed in Japan in the 1600s, are a perfect stage. Imagine how many interesting vintage vignettes you could create on the staggered steps (also known as Step Kaidan Tansu) and within the shelves and open drawers!
Large or small, modern or antique, tansus can fit into a variety of decors. I also love the chandelier of 1,000 origami paper cranes (which symbolize love and prosperity in marriage) that are hanging in the bottom left photo — so elegant!
Even if you don’t have a Tansu, you can always open drawers on any vintage dresser you have and instantly create layered shelves to display your beautiful treasures! Be inspired by this Meiji-era photo taken by Felice Beato…even pulling drawers out of dressers and cabinets can give your displays depth and character.
(Photo credit clockwise from top left: Joy Jones Step Chest available at Greentea Design, David Jackson, sara terrell design, and Tansu Style)