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All Original C. 1850 Japanese Tansu Chest, 2 Parts

About the Item

This 2-part antique Japanese tansu has lovely old-patina wood and 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. 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. The patina is richly worn and no new lacquer or sealer has been added to the surface; it has been kept 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. 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 limited traces of the old varnish on the drawer fronts remain. The dark oxblood on the sides is quite intact. The metal fittings show desirable rust and oxidization -even the small nail heads, which is very good. This piece is a remarkable find - a "time traveler" that connects us directly to the distant past.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 41.5 in (105.41 cm)Width: 35.75 in (90.81 cm)Depth: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1850
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 22T010191stDibs: LU886431276232

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