Low Japanese tansu chest, crafted from cypress and ceder woods. Hand forged iron hardware. The chest opens to reveal two spacious drawers concealed behind hinged doors, each fitted with original iron warabite-style handles. This dual structure—hidden drawers within protective doors—reflects the Japanese tradition of combining practicality with security, protecting valuables from both theft and fire. The warm tone of the cypress, softly patinated with age, contrasts beautifully with the deep black of the iron mounts, giving the chest an almost architectural quality.
Such chests were commonly used for storage in merchant households, samurai residences, or for traveling purposes, their construction balancing portability with security. The ironwork itself often conveyed a sense of strength and prosperity, while also functioning as a deterrent to intrusion.

Age: Meiji period 1868 - 1912

36" long x 21" high x 16" deep