Antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Kurinoki (Chestnut), Keyaki (Elm)and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Sliding doors cover a spacious area where business books and documents were stored. Hand made iron fittings and hardened wooden nails were used in the construction of this chest. Multiple drawers were used to store business stationary, writing brushes, money and business supplies. This piece comes from the Kansai area of Japan.

Merchant chests were prominently situated in a store next to the store owner to showcase the elaborate metal work and wood grain. It was a form of advertising showing the success and longevity of the business.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 29 1/2" High x 30 1/2" Wide x 12 1/8" Deep