Antique Japanese Rare Early Edo Era (dated 1675!) Document Tansu 30"H

This is a very rare 350 year old antique Japanese tansu from the 17th century. This is a type of Kakesuzuri and contains a Tegata box (passport box) that is dated from the early Edo Era (1675). This is shown as "Enpo (延宝) 3" or the 3rd year of the Emperor Reigen (霊元天皇) who ruled from 1673 to 1681. This tansu chest has six drawers within a pair of swing open door. Made of solid sugi (cryptomeria, Japanese cedar) wood. It has all of its original hand rubbed kijiro (natural lacquer). All the metal hardware is hand forged iron with a protective blacken burnt lacquer.

We have placed it on a custom made iron base to elevate this remarkable tansu and bring it to a full 30" height. 

Kakesuzuri were used as portable accounting chests and money boxes used by merchants and elites to carry valuable between while traveling. Made with old world craftsmanship with wooden pin lap joint construction.

The single lidded drawer has documented the original date that this tansu was in used and it's purpose for holding passports as shown by the worn calligraphy on the bottom. The date is written as the 3rd Year of Enpo.  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 drawers open and close smoothly. Along with a three and half century old warm patina this chest remains in fine original antique condition.

This tansu chest measures 29.75" wide by 30'' tall (24" w/o base) by 20.5" deep. 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!