Japanese antique choba tansu (merchant's chest) from the Gifu area. Made with all kuri (chestnut) wood front, hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood on the sides and top. The upper portion of the chest has a full width drawer over a compartment covered by two sliding panels with horizontal slats. The lower portion of the chest has a series of 4 drawers of various sizes on the left and a hinged safe box door on the right hand side. The safe box door opens to reveal 2 small interior drawers. All hardware is made of iron and includes extensive corner bracing, warabite shaped drawer pulls, round lock plates and hinges. The finish is a beautiful deep brown color with the original patina. Secret space is hidden under a false floor found under the bottom right drawer.

Late Edo Period (c.1850)

Dimensions: 35" high x 34 1/4" wide x 16" deep.