This wonderfully preserved tansu is from the early Showa period (1920s-1940's). The combination of woods for this tansu is ­Tamo (Ash) and Sugi (Cedar). Tamo has a unique figured wood pattern that resembles peanut shells. Cedar is a versatile wood and is used for many tansu since it is easy to work with and inexpensive. The Cha Dansu was used for the storage and display of basic home tea items that were usually placed in the living area where guests could have access and be able to see any Japanese snacks that would be available to them. Since this chest is meant to display as well as store items, it works wonderfully to display a doll collection, crystal, or even jewelry!