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19th Century Antique Japanese Tansu Chest, 2 Parts

About the Item

Japanese storage tansu chests were used to hold clothing and other personal effects in a 19th Century Japanese home. Because Japanese homes were (and are) relatively small, furniture was also relatively small. Rooms were used for multiple purposes and furniture needed to be lightweight, portable and removeable. Accordingly, storage chests had handles for receiving carrying poles. The distinctive iron hardware provided structural stiffness in the corners and also served a decorative function. This 2-part antique Japanese tansu has lovely wood and bold and attractive hand-forged iron handles and other hardware. It can be used as-shown, stacked or separated and raised on simple metal stands. When separated, the two drawer sets make excellent side chests. The patina is gently worn and no new lacquer or sealer has been added to the surface; it is as found. The drawer interiors are all clean and drawer operation is smooth. It should be noted that many Japanese pieces are very lightly constructed and good drawer operation cannot be assumed. The piece is solid, clean and original -no new parts have been added. The finish features all the minor scratches, abrasions and small gouges that we expect (and want) to find on vintage Japanese antiques. The piece does not appear to have been stripped but only small traces of the old varnish remain. At some point it was probably scrubbed and cleaned. The metal fittings show desirable rust and oxidization -even the small nail heads, which is very good. All parts appear to be original.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 41.5 in (105.41 cm)Width: 35.75 in (90.81 cm)Depth: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. The lightly rusted hardware appears to be all-original and beautifully contrasts with the dry wood surface.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 22T010161stDibs: LU886431239942
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