An antique Japanese 2 section Gifu Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute handles and the full moon lock plates. Upper section has 2 sliding doors with spacious storage behind and two side by side drawers below. The bottom section has 5 drawers of varying sizes, a large storage space covered by 2 sliding doors, a hinged security door that hides 2 small drawers where valuables were kept. In addition, two secret storage areas were hidden from thieves; the upper drawer behind the hinged door has a secret box hidden behind it while upon completely removing the drawer and box reveals a false floor under which flat valuables were kept. Constructed using through mortise and tenon joinery.

Age: Early Meiji Period (1870-1880)

Dimensions: 35 3/4" Wide by 66" High by 21 3/8" Deep