Antique Japanese Edo Era (C1800) Kakesuzuri Funadansu Document Tansu Chest

Known as a kakesuzuri (portable document chest) or a funadansu (ship's chest) from the mid Edo Era (c. 1800). This tansu chest has three large document drawers within a swing open door. Made of solid keyaki (zelkova) wood and sugi (cedar) interiors. It has all of its original hand rubbed kijiro (natural lacquer) over a persimmon tannin stain. All the metal hardware is hand forged iron with a protective blacken burnt lacquer.

Kakesuzuri and funadansu were used as portable accounting chests and money boxes used to carry the ship's logs and funds while sailing the Japan inland sea. Made with or world craftsmanship with wooden pin lap joint construction (see picture 10). The front door has its original operable lock and key which locks closed when the "button" is pushed to the right (see picture 11).

The method of construction as well as all the forged iron work on this chest dates it to the mid Edo Era (c. 1800) or even earlier.  This chest was used to hold documents and writing materials, as well as, money and valuables.  All drawers open and close smoothly. The triple hinged lidded front swings open and closes easily.

All three drawers open and close smoothly. Along with a two and half century old warm patina this chest remains in fine original antique condition.

This tansu chest measures 11 1/2" wide by 12 1/2'' tall by 17" deep (28 x 32 x 43 cm). A very warm accent for your home or office. Great storage in a solid side piece. Please enjoy the enlarged pictures to get a full appreciation of the fine old original finish and patina.

Looking for a tansu chest with a lot of character and built samurai tough.this is it!