Antique Japanese Meiji Era c1890 Kannon Biraki Clothing Tansu Chest Sugi Wood 36"W

Known as a Kannon Biraki, this chest was made in the Meiji era (1868-1912) of sugi (cryptomeria) case with kiri (paulownia) interiors. The Kannon Biraki Tansu was often given as part of a bride's dowry in order to be able to store the precious wedding kimono and accessories.  This chest can be easily used stacked or separated for side by side use or even as two bedside pieces.

This tansu chest is made with pegged-tenon open-mortise corner box joint construction. This chest has all its 150 year old rich patina over a beautiful persimmon tannin stain. All drawers and doors move easily without binding. All hardware is hand forged iron with detailed lock plates. Forged iron side handles aid in transporting this chest even when fully loaded with possessions (one side handle is missing).

36" x 36" x 18" (width x height x depth) (Top & bottom are each 18"H)

Please contact us for details on shipping this tansu in two parts.

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.