Japanese Wood and Iron Small Tansu Chest Meiji

This handsome small tansu chest (“ko dansu”) is well crafted of lacquered cryptomeria wood with heavy hand-forged iron handles and fittings. Meiji period (1868-1912). There are a total of six drawers in various sizes, including two drawers behind the small hinged safe door. There is also an additional “secret drawer” that slides into place behind the narrowest drawer. Iron carrying handles are attached to the sides of the chest.

This chest is well constructed of sturdy materials, and the mortise-and-tenon joinery is indicative of fine craftsmanship. The soft cryptomeria wood, stained in a rich deep wine-colored hue, is nicely complimented by the striking heavyweight metalwork. The iron work is wonderfully rendered, from the large round lock plate on the safe door to the bold and decorative hinges, brackets and corner pieces. The traditional curved handles are of the “warabite” style, and ring pulls are affixed to the narrow secret drawer front and the two internal drawers. Small iron knobs (“atari”) are inset under all the handles to prevent the wood from being nicked.

CONDITION is good. There is normal wear and consistent with age and usage, including a dryness crack on the back side, which is not unusual with old tansu. There is no key for the safe door lock, which is jammed.

DIMENSIONS: 16 ¼” (41.3 cm) wide, 10 ¼” (26 cm) deep, 14 ½” (36.8 cm) high.

IF YOU ARE CHECKING OUT THIS ITEM AT AUCTION, WE INVITE YOU TO TAKE A LOOK AT ALL THE OTHER JAPANESE AND CHINESE ANTIQUES ITEMS LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE AT www.BandCantiques.com.

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