This antique Japanese stacking tansu chest would have been used as a clothing chest & dates to the 19th century, Meiji era (1868 - 1912). It is a isho kasane dansu. Kasane is a 'chest on chest' and isho refers to its primary function as a clothing chest.

This style of tansu is from Nihonmatsu which typically produced some of the largest clothing chests. Nihonmatsu tansu used distinctive brass detailing and replaced keys with double-lock buttons. Here we see Daikoku's mallet over a treasure bag; Daikoku was the deity of wealth and one of the seven Japanese lucky gods. He was known for carrying a lucky mallet & treasure bag.

This tansu is made in the traditional kasane-dansu style in 2 parts with 4 drawers. It also has a small set of drawers in the bottom right corner. It is made from cryptomeria (paulownia) wood with iconic aforementioned Japanese iron & brass lockplates

Kasane dansu were made as clothing chest of drawers for storage of expensive clothing and garments. Homes usually had one clothing chest for winter clothing and a separate one for summer clothing. Carrying handles allowed these chests to be stored in outhouses when not in use.

For a similar example, see Japanese Cabinetry: The Art & Craft of Tansu by Jackson & Owen, Pages 193 & 194.

Dimensions:

115 x 45 x 121 (wxdxh cms)

From Japan

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