This striking antique black lacquer Japanese Bo Dansu chest is typical of those made in the coastal trading port of Sakata. This style of black lacquer tansu was made in both Tsuruoka & Sakata however, they had distinct variation in ironwork techniques. Sakata ironwork was flat, chiseled and thick whereas Tsuruoka ironwork is repousséd (raised metalwork). This chest dates to the 19^th century in the Meiji period (1868 - 1912) and is constructed from kiri. It would have been crafted in Sakata in Yamagata prefecture by a team of three artisans; a carpenter, ironworker & lacquerworker. 

There is a central bo (locking bar) which gives the bo dansu its name. A key is supplied. There is a lockbox in the bottom right corner and four drawers in total. 

The ivy kamon on the central locking bar called tsuta kamon is most often associated with the Matsunaga clan. This design of black tansu was often presented to a bride in her new home. The ironwork depicts various tsuta (ivy) designs and on the bottom drawer, a crane is depicted flying above a dragon. The iron drawer pulls (hikite) on the front are fern (warabite) shaped 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. 

From Japan

87.5 x 43 x 99 (wxdxh cm)

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