This striking antique Japanese Dansu chest is finished in black lacquer. 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 black lacquer tansu was found in both Tsuruoka & Sakata towns of Yamagata. Sakata ironwork was flat and thick whereas Tsuruoka specialised in repoussé (raised metalwork). This chest dates to the late 19th century in the Meiji period (1868 - 1912) and is constructed from kiri and would have been made in Tsuroka in Yamagata prefecture. It would have been made for a wealthy owner as even the back of the tansu is lacquered. 

This design of black tansu was often presented to a bride in her new home. The top drawers would hold quality clothing and the bottom section would usually hold underwear. The small compartment concealed behind the hinged door would have stored valuables. This style of tansu with auspicious symbols is similar to those seen on wedding kimonos. New brides would usually have taken two tansu to their new home. 
The ironwork depicts various birds among trees; bamboo, pine, cherry blossom, and ivy. A falcon, and cranes are perched in the trees. The iron drawer pulls (hikite) on the front are military fan pull shaped (gunbai) which was a classic shape used during the Meiji period. The pole hangers (saodoshi) are not covered by a metal plate showing this as an earlier piece.

The iron hardware is a reddish-brown which is achieved by yaki-urush i process of burning lacquer over a vermilion bengara base. This technique is often seen on Tsuruoka tansu. 

Dimensions:

90 x 43 x 107  (wxdxh cms)

References:

For a similar example, see Traditional Japanese Chests by K Koizumi, page 37 and Tansu by T & K Heineken, Figure 156. The latter of these is in the Tokyo furniture museum. 

Another similar example can be found in Japanese Cabinetry: The Art & Craft of Tansu by Jackson & Owen, Page 189.

From Japan

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