Antique Japanese Document Tansu Meiji Era Hinoki & Sugi Wood Chobadansu 66x37"

Known as a chobadansu (document tansu chest), this chest was made in the 19th century Meiji era (1868-1912). Made in the Nagoya style in two parts made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) and sugi (cryptomeria) or Japanese cedar. The choba - dansu was a special chest used to store document, accounts, money and other valuables for a business enterprise. This chest has a unique configuration of 14 drawers (2 located behind the armored safe door) and 2 cabinets accessed behind sliding doors. A highly desirable surprise that this tansu has is a hidden compartment behind the two draws in the safe (see photos for the fun details). Only the most valuable objects were secreted away here. 

Height = 66" (168cm) (Bottom 36.75" + Top 29.25") 

Width = 37" (94cm)

Depth = 18.5" (47cm)

Please inquire for actual shipping cost. Too large (even in two boxes) to go by Ground this will have to be shipped by White Glove Freight service. 

This tansu chest is made with pegged-tenon open-mortise corner box joint construction. All drawers and doors move easily without binding. The two doors lift out easily for open display. All hardware is forged iron with Mokkou (melon) handles.

This chest has a century-plus old warm aged patina and, having been used lovingly for over a century, it remains in fine original antique condition and should serve one well for another century of use. There are some areas of past stains, dents and distress expected of a piece this age. Please look over photographs carefully to note the uniques beauty of this tansu. A great piece of Japanese history and an interesting and very solid and functional piece of furniture.