Antique Japanese Kiri Wood Ishodansu Kasane Tansu Meiji Era Chest of Drawers 37"W

Antique Japanese Kiri Isho Dansu — Two-Section 衣装箪笥 Meiji Era

Japan, Meiji Period, late 19th–early 20th century

37.5"W × 16"D × 41"H (95 × 41 × 104 cm)

A well-proportioned kasane isho dansu (重ね衣装箪笥) in all solid paulownia (桐, kiri), the classic material for clothing storage prized for its exceptional moisture regulation and insulating properties. The two separable sections stack to present eight drawers in total, each fitted with bold iron hardware throughout: large circular lock escutcheons centered on every drawer face, decorative cut-out bar escutcheons at the section joint, pierced diamond-motif side carrying plates on both sections, and shaped bail-ring pulls with pierced butterfly backplates. Corner and edge strapping is substantial and uniform. Drawer construction is clean, with unfinished kiri interiors showing the characteristic pale, fine grain of the wood. The exterior surfaces retain the natural, unfinished kiri tone — warm honey-gold — consistent with a chest that has never been lacquered or heavily treated.

Condition: Good antique condition consistent with age. Top surface shows scattered scratches, minor staining, and two small cracks at board joints; rear panels show similar board-joint separation, stable. Some edge wear and light surface soiling overall. Hardware is complete, intact, and functioning; iron has darkened evenly with age. Drawers slide smoothly.

A handsome and fully functional example of Meiji-period clothing storage furniture, the bold ironwork and pale kiri surfaces making a striking graphic statement.