I've always appreciated Japanese Tansu furniture, and a request from a client gave me an excuse to build some. The style dates back to the Edo period (1615-1867), when the construction of each piece would reflect the needs of the home and the class status of its owner. In the case of this Tansu step chest (called kaidan dansu in Japanese), the stepped design allows the homeowner to access loft space while incorporating storage. It's said this particular configuration was designed to fool the taxman, as two-storey dwellings were taxed at a higher rate.
The homeowner could simply flip the top portion of the chest onto the lower “steps” to create a square chest, eliminating the appearance of stairs. My version of the chest was made for a friend, with contemporary details to reflect her needs and décor. I'm not sure what the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency's official position is on this furniture, but I don't suppose it would help much in an audit.
Since there are many similar parts involved in this project, I've divided it into four levels-A through D. Each part has a full name, plus a short-form letter and number label. The materials list shows both the full name and the shortform, while the instructions and plans include shortforms only for clarity. Although the parts list is long, don't let any of it scare you. The Tansu chest is just a bunch of stacked, drawer-equipped boxes. Crisp workmanship and precision are all you need to get this project right.
Download the template for this project here!
7 Comments
Do you have the plans for this step tansu? if so please forward link to birniegw@yahoo.com Thanks very much for your assistance. Gavin
I read with interest your article. Having visted the Morikami Japanese Museum in Boca Raton, Florida, a few years ago, I saw a genuine Tansu Chest from the 19th century. Ever since I have had a desire to build one. Yours is the first I have seen that has provided me with details and incentive to pursue the dream. Just as Gavin asked in his comment, I also would appreciate a link to download any plans you might have for this amazing project. I noticed conspicuous by its absence is the materials list for the Upper Level B and Middle Level C. Was this intentional or just an oversight? Thank you very much for any help you can provide. Sincerely, Barry Heller NaticckUSAWdwrkr printserve1109@yahoo.com
am also interested in any plans thanks nevadabelle@hotmail.com
please send plans if u have them nevadabelle@hotmail.com
The link to the project template at the top of page two coupled with the materials list also on page two should be sufficient for completing the project, but more detail would be nice. Although a complete materials list would be quite nice, the details of levels "B" and "C" in the project template show that only the length of the tops and backs need to be lengthened accordingly.
The link to the project template at the top of page two coupled with the materials list also on page two should be sufficient for completing the project, but more detail would be nice. Although a complete materials list would be quite nice, the details of levels "B" and "C" in the project template show that only the length of the tops and backs need to be lengthened accordingly.
Hi Cathy! this is going to be my fist wood working project. I am so excited to build this chest. anymore detailed plans you might have would be greatly appreciated. thank you, sasha randomsasha@gmail.com