ANTIQUE JAPANESE 5 DRAWER +SECRET TANSU HARIBAKO SEWING BOX BURL MULBERRY WOOD

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

ANTIQUE JAPANESE 5 DRAWER +SECRET TANSU HARIBAKO SEWING BOX BURL MULBERRY WOOD:
$215.28

This is a late Taisho Era (c. 1926) haribako (sewing box) with a unique arrangement of four drawersand an additionalfifth area located inthe flip top lidded section. Behind this fifth \"drawer\" is another secret area, hidden behind the front drawer (see picture 10 to see how to find it).

Thetoparea is divided into two sections with an extra insert as well as a \"third hand\" used to pull cloth taught while giving the user free use of their other hand (see picture 11).This tansu chest was used to store valuables as well as equipment for the person of the house to do repairs on Kimono and bedding as well as money and valuables.

The face and top of this chest is made of a burled mulberry wood veneer over keyaki (zelkova) with the remaining case work also made ofzelkova woodand kiri (paulownia) wood interiors. This 1/8\" veneer was used because the look of a burl wood was prized, but burl wood itself is very unstable and warps and cracks very easily with temperature or humidity change, so a straight-grain zelkova was much better suited as the body of a piece such as this one.

The construction of this chest is strengthened by wooden pin and dovetailed corner work (see picture 6). The hardware is allcopper, including two beautiful hand tooled butterfly hinges (see last picture).There is a slot on the back right side used to house a measuring device (included) (see picture 5). This measuring device is one shaku long- an old Japanese system of measurement equivalent to a foot.

There is a gourd-shaped hole in the back of the chest to show the measuring device. This chest is all original andbeing made of an extra hard zelkova, aside from some minor repairs on the drawers with a few small added nails (please see enlarged pictures)it isoverall original invery fine condition with a warm patina that only nearly a century of loving use could give.

There is a small gap when the lid shuts because of the wood changing over time, but all drawers run smoothly and the lidded top opens and closes with ease. Please enjoy viewing the enlarged photos of this chest before offerding. This chest measures 12 5/8\" wide by 10 1/4\" high by 7 1/2\" deep (32 x26 x19 cm). Very solidly built, a great piece of Japanese history; and makes a classic desk top organizer today.

You\'ll love it, I guarantee it.........If you purchase this item and are not completely delighted with it, you may return it for a no questions asked refund within 14 days of receipt.

Sailerking and the Shogun\'s Gallery have been in the Japanese antique business for over 32 years, and highly value our customers. Satisfaction Guarantee: All items are carefully described and photographed. If not completely delighted with any item it may be returned in original condition for refund of purchase price, less actual shipping cost. Most items listed are antiques, and as such may have an expected amount of wear from normal use. We do not sell items with major flaws without mentioning it in the listing. See photos and descriptions for condition. Returns must be shipped back within 14 days of receipt. Buyer assumes all shipping fees. If you have specific questions about the item or condition, please feel free to ask before offerding and we will make every effort to respond promptly. International buyers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, etc. imposed by the buyer\'s home country.