Antique Japanese Edo Era (C.1750) Black Lacquer Double Ended Tansu Chest

This is an antique (nearly 200 year old) Japanese kakesuzuri tansu chest from the mid Edo era (c. 1750). This kakesuzuri (portable calligraphy tansu) opens at either end to reveal three drawer (total of 6 drawers). The hardware is hand forged iron.  It has innumerable layers of black lacquer.

The method of construction as well as the forged iron work on this chest dates it to the mid Edo Era (c. 1750) or even earlier. This chest was used to hold calligraphy and writing materials, as well as, money and valuables. It is very unusual in that it has a swing open door on both ends with three drawers on each side. One of the drawers on each side has a fitted lid that probably once held a suzuri (ink stone).

The two doors swing open easily and each has a slide lock (see pictures 10 & 11) that hold the doors closed. All drawers open smoothly. Along with a two century old warm patina this chest remains in good original antique condition.

This Kakesuzuri chest measures 11" wide by 11 '' tall by 15" deep (28 x 28 x 38 cm). A very warm accent for your home or office. Great to hold pens, as well as, remote controls for the TV and stereo. Please enjoy the enlarged pictures to get a full appreciation of the fine black lacquer, forged iron and its 2 century old original patina.