Antique Japanese Meiji Era c1880's Tansu

This is an Antique Japanese kimono chest or Ishodansu. This chest was made in the mid Meiji era (c.1890's) of all kiri wood (paulownia). Ishodansu were used to store precious kimono, obi and accessories. This two drawer tansu includes a custom made solid iron stand. The bottom drawer has 10" of vertical clearance and the top drawer has 6".

This tansu is made with pegged-tenon open-mortise corner box joint construction. This chest has all its 150 year old deep rich patina. All drawers move easily without binding. All hardware is hand forged iron with Gumpai style handles and detailed lock plates.  All locks are still operable with an included key. Forged iron side handles aid in transporting this chest even when fully loaded with possessions.

Width = 36.5"

Height =  Tansu 20" +  Stand 7"   Total 27"

Depth = 16

Weight = Tansu is 29lbs and the base is 36lbs

This chest has a century and a half old original warm aged patina and, having been used lovingly for over a century, it remains in fine original antique condition and should serve for another century of use. There are some areas of past stains and distress marks as expected from a genuine antique. A great piece of Japanese history and an interesting and very solid and functional piece of furniture.