Japanese Antique 100 Year Old Meiji Era 6 Drawer Paulownia Tansu Document Chest For Sale

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Known as a kirikodansu, this chest was made and used about 100 years ago in the late Meiji period (c. 1910).The kirikodansu, orsmall personal chest with locking drawers was used to store an individual's personal items including accounts, documents, kimono accessories and valuables. It is made completely of kiri (paulownia) wood, which was the wood of choice because of its strength, light weight, as well as its ability to preserve the contents from the humid Japanese summer.

All iron fittings including hand forged warbite (fern hand) and double action locks are protected by a coat of burnt urushi lacquer. The locks have lost thier keys in the last century but will not lock on their own. This chest shows the skill of the Meiji Era craftsman in that it is made entirely of hardend hinoki pegs (see picture 11). The back is made of eight pieces of paulownia wood which, while solidly in place, now have a few 1/8" gaps (see pictures (9 & 10). There is also notice of past powder post beatle precensce (see picture 10). These insects have vacated the tansu over 90 years ago and while they leave "charming" areas of their past presence, we guarantee none remain. The top of the chest has a few scuffsas seen in pictures 6 & 7 but none deeper than 1/32".

Side handles which match the front forged iron handles assist in making this tansu highly portable. Measuring 23" wide by 16 1/4" high and 11" deep (59 x 41 x 28 cm), this tansu makes a versitile piece of functional furniture for many a location. Its 6 drawers still runsmoothly and the stong side carying handles make it very portable.This chest has a century old warm aged patina, and remains in very fine condition and should serve one well for another century of use. A great piece of Japanese history and a very interesting and functional piece of furniture.

You'll love it, I guarantee it.........If you purchase this item and are not completely delighted with it, you may return it fora 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.

This item has been shown 461 times. Japanese Antique 100 Year Old Meiji Era 6 Drawer Paulownia Tansu Document Chest: $496