An antique Japanese Mikuni Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Aka Matsu (Red Pine), Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original lacquer finish and hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles and full moon lock plates). Through mortise and tenon Japanese joinery and side ribs for strength and support. Lift-up side handles allow through a wood pole letting two persons carry the tansu from store to store. Nine drawers and two sliding doors behind which is a split level shelf where business books and records were held.

Chests such as these were prominently displayed in a store to advertise the success of the business as well as the permanence of the store itself.

Age: Meiji Era (1870-1880)

Dimensions: 34" Wide by 35 3/4" High by 15 1/4" Deep