Advice on restoration of Japanese Tansu cabinet

[Max_H]

Hello all,

I would love some advice on the best way to restore the finish/lustre of my Japanese Tansu cabinet. At the time of purchase, I was told it was Elm (not 100% sure on this one) and looking at the existing finish I would guess it is lacquer based (rather than oil or wax, but I am certainly no expert).
I have restored the finish on a lot of oiled furniture (typically Scandinavia style teak veneers etc.) with a lot of success by cleaning (generally soft clean with 0000 stainless steel and some metho or turps depending on the condition of the original finish), followed by gently working in some Scandinavian oil with 0000 steel wool and buffing off the excess with a clean rag. However, I have never attempted anything on Japanese style furniture and certainly never on a lacquer finish (overall photo attached, happy to add more if it will help).

I really don’t want to strip it all the way back and lose all those years of patina, so hoping for some advice on the best way to give it a gentle clean and get it looking nice again (it has become quite dull in the more exposed areas).

Thanks in advance for all your help!

[Lappa]

I reckon Fletty would be able to answer this. Some of the work he’s done is remarkable. If you don’t get any replies, PM him.

[verawood]

Welcome Max

[Max_H]

I reckon Fletty would be able to answer this. Some of the work he’s done is remarkable. If you don’t get any replies, PM him.

Thanks for the tip, I will check out some of Fletty's posts now!

Welcome Max

Thanks mate, long time browser, figured it was time to join.