For those who are interested in unique Asian home décor pieces, many seek step tansu. Japanese tansu’s are special pieces of wooden cabinetry that a great touch to any home. The step tansu distinctive design originated 400 years ago during the Edo Period in Japan where storage containers were used. While the typical tansu is similar to a chest of drawers, the step tansu is similar in function but different in design as it resembles a flight of stairs leading upwards. Most of the common step tansu built today are from cedar, cypress and chestnut wood and can be seen in many modern home decorations. The step tansu is a unique piece of home décor that can last for years.
Ways to take care of it
- Periodically rub a few drops of boiled linseed oil into the surface of the wood. If the wood is able to absorb the oil, than your tansu has an oil finish. If the oil forms droplets that do sink into the wood, then your tansu has an oil finish. If the oil does not sink into the wood, then your tansu has a hard finish.
- Always position tansu away from direct sunlight, heat, air vents and humidity as these are elements that cause you’re your wood to dry out the wood, cause the surface color to fade, or cause the wood to expand and warp. Before these things happen, use a dehumidifier to prevent the wood from absorbing moisture.
- To keep your step tansu in great condition, avoid dirt build up and dust weekly.
- Clean your step tansu about once or twice a year with a damp washcloth soaked with mild furniture soap and water solution. Take a damp washcloth and rinse the soapy surface. Then pat the step tansu dry with a lint free cloth.
- For your hard finish tansu, use any commercial wood polish. You can select your polish according to how shiny you would like the wood to be.
- For your tansu with a homemade solution that is two parts boiled linseed oil and one part gum turpentine. Rub the oily solution into the wood until it is absorbed and dry. Do this every 4 to 8 weeks.
Asian Inspired Home Decoration 