Merchant’s chest 帳場箪笥 (chôba dansu) - Wood

A high-quality Japanese merchant’s chest 帳場箪笥 (chôba dansu) in a single section, constructed with particularly attractive thick solid Japanese zelkova 欅 (keyaki) fronts showing a striking burl and swirling grain. Fully restored, cleaned and waxed. The cabinet is framed in Japanese sugi (cedar), the different woods finished in a warm brown tone that accentuates the expressive grain. The front is arranged with nine visible drawers of various sizes, alongside a pair of upper sliding doors and a pair of lower doors. The drawers are fitted with sturdy iron fern-shaped bail handles 蕨手 (warabite) and substantial lock plates, complemented by iron corner and reinforcing fittings. The upper sliding doors are fitted with ornate lobed thumb grips. Behind the upper sliding doors is additional storage space. The lower section, fronted by horizontally barred doors, conceals three further drawers. More unusually, removing the sliding doors gives access to a narrow removable vertical slat, behind which are two additional secret drawers. The sides are fitted with large iron pole-carrying fittings, together with two additional handles, allowing the chest to be moved in the traditional manner. One drawer bears a branded mark, while an old paper label with an inscription is preserved inside one of the upper storage compartments. Stating that the cabinet was made and manufactured by a company on Dobuike-suji, Minami-Kyūhōji-machi, Osaka 南久宝寺町丼池筋. The strong construction, extensive ironwork and generous number of concealed storage spaces are characteristic of a substantial chôba dansu intended for use by a merchant or business. Period: Japan – Meiji period (1868–1912). Dimensions: Height: 99.2 cm, Width: 95.2 cm, Depth: 41.8 cm In very good restored condition with only light traces of wear consistent with age and use. Fully cleaned, restored and waxed. No keys present. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition. When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.

Estimate:$3,473.37

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