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A fine Edo period (1603–1868) tansu chest, finished in rich black lacquer and reinforced with original hand-forged iron mounts. Compact and sturdy, this chest features a bold, rectilinear form softened by the lustrous lacquer surface, which still reveals traces of red lacquer beneath where age original worn finish.
The façade presents a central large drawer flanked by smaller drawers below, each fitted with rounded iron warabite-style pulls and lock plates with hammered detail. Heavy corner bracing and edge strapping provide strength and durability, while the overall scale makes it ideal for storing valuables, documents, or tools. The compact format suggests it was a ko-dansu (small chest), possibly used for personal belongings or merchant’s necessities.
The black lacquer surface, accented by the ironwork, gives the chest an understated but powerful presence, characteristic of Edo-period taste for refinement through simplicity.
Age: Edo period circa mid 1700's
Dimensions: 20 1/2" wide x 13" high x 13" deep
The façade presents a central large drawer flanked by smaller drawers below, each fitted with rounded iron warabite-style pulls and lock plates with hammered detail. Heavy corner bracing and edge strapping provide strength and durability, while the overall scale makes it ideal for storing valuables, documents, or tools. The compact format suggests it was a ko-dansu (small chest), possibly used for personal belongings or merchant’s necessities.
The black lacquer surface, accented by the ironwork, gives the chest an understated but powerful presence, characteristic of Edo-period taste for refinement through simplicity.
Age: Edo period circa mid 1700's
Dimensions: 20 1/2" wide x 13" high x 13" deep
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item #1509088
