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Japanese Cherry Lacquer Tansu Chest, c. 1880

$5,380
£4,002.28
€4,692.36
CA$7,524.61
A$8,401.45
CHF 4,408.15
MX$103,688.75
NOK 55,411.03
SEK 51,846.84
DKK 35,005.83
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About the Item

Designed to be versatile and portable, Japanese tansu chests were multipurpose storage cabinets that moved throughout the home and could accompany their owners in long-distance travel. This example is a single-section clothing tansu (isho yaro-tansu), designed with multiple drawers for storing fine clothing and official attire. Crafted in the late 19th century, the tansu is a lovely example of Meiji-era cabinetry, constructed of cherry-lacquered pine with traditional joinery and iron hardware. Ideal as a dresser or chest-of-drawers, the tansu is comprised of five full-face drawers, each affixed with two hirute (leech-shaped) drawer pulls. At the center of each drawer is a large, single-action lock plate with a simple keyhole, a cherry blossom button latch, a fan-shaped drawer stop and chased decoration of swirling clouds. Darkened to a matte black with heated lacquer, the distinctive iron hardware has developed rich patina from years of use and elegantly contrasts the red-brown color of the tansu's sheer lacquer finish. Additional Dimensions: Drawers: 48"W x 14.75"D x 6.25"H
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 41.5 in (105.41 cm)Width: 51 in (129.54 cm)Depth: 16 in (40.64 cm)
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Iron,Pine,Lacquered
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    c. 1880
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: CLBR0241stDibs: LU820044046992

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