Antique Japanese Edo Era Early 1800's Gyosho Bako Peddler's Tansu Chest 28"

This tansu is around 200 year old. It's an antique Japanese gyoshobako-dansu (peddler's chest) from the mid/late Edo Era (c.1820). It was used in its day to transport the tools of an itinerant craftsman from town to town. This gyoshobako tansu has a configuration of 8 interior drawers of various sizes. It is made of solid kiri (paulownia) wood. All the metal hardware is hand forged iron (some handles have been replaced during restoration). A real rarity is that the woven rope shoulder straps are included with this peddler's chest.

Width = 11.5"

Height = 28"

Depth = 17"

This chest still has its original persimmon tannin stain under hand rubbed lacquer finish with a deep two century old patina. This chest shows a high degree of Japanese craftsmanship in the joinery, being made with hardened hinoki pegged wood construction. The various sized drawers were custom made to hold various tools of ones trade. The style of this gyoshobako chest as well as the method of construction and all the forged iron metal work on this chest dates it to the mid/late Edo era (c.1820). All drawer handles, hinges, and latches and corner work are made of forged iron with a protective coat of burnt lacquer. All drawers operate smoothly.

It has been well used yet well loved, has a deep warm patina that only centuries of devoted use could provide. This chest remains in fine original antique condition. A very warm accent for your home or office as well as great functional space inside 8 deep drawers of various sizes. In Japan, gyoshobako are considered one of most collectable tansu chests.