{"product_id":"japanese-black-lacquer-bo-dansu-ironwork","title":"Japanese Black Lacquer Bo Dansu From Sakata, Yamagata - Meiji Period","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis exceptional \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese Shōnai Bo-Dansu (merchant's travelling chest)\u003c\/strong\u003e dates from the \u003cstrong\u003elate Meiji period (1868–1912)\u003c\/strong\u003e and was crafted in \u003cstrong\u003eTsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture\u003c\/strong\u003e, a region celebrated for producing some of Japan's finest lacquered tansu. Constructed entirely from \u003cstrong\u003ekiri (Paulownia tomentosa)\u003c\/strong\u003e and finished in a rich black lacquer with contrasting natural timber sides and interior, the chest exemplifies the restrained elegance and robust craftsmanship for which Shōnai furniture is renowned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned as a portable merchant's chest, it features three full-width drawers above a lockable lower drawer and a lockable cupboard concealing two additional drawers. Heavy hand-forged iron fittings reinforce the corners and edges, while decorative repoussé lock plates and the original removable locking bar demonstrate the exceptional quality of Tsuruoka metalwork. Folding iron carrying handles to the sides allowed the chest to be transported, reflecting its original function as both secure storage and a travelling strongbox. The interior of one concealed drawer retains handwritten Japanese ink inscriptions, offering an intriguing glimpse into the chest's working life and provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShōnai tansu from Tsuruoka are particularly sought after for their distinctive combination of lightweight kiri construction, deep lacquer finishes, finely forged ironwork and practical yet refined design. Today they make striking statement pieces, equally suited as collectors' furniture or functional storage in contemporary interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e For further reading on Japanese tansu and regional cabinetmaking traditions, see \u003cem\u003eTansu: Traditional Japanese Cabinetry\u003c\/em\u003e by Ty and Kiyoko Heineken with Charles Tuttle, one of the standard reference works on antique Japanese furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late Meiji Period (circa 1890–1912)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kiri (Paulownia tomentosa), Black Lacquer, Hand-Forged Iron\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraditional Shōnai Bo-Dansu merchant's travelling chest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree full-width black lacquered drawers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLockable lower drawer with decorative repoussé lock plate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLockable cupboard enclosing two concealed drawers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal removable locking bar and keys present\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFolding iron carrying handles to each side\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtensive hand-forged iron corner mounts and fittings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal handwritten Japanese ink inscriptions inside one concealed drawer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good antique condition with age-related wear, patination and minor surface marks consistent with age and use. Original lacquer and ironwork with excellent character throughout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e W89 x D44 x H97 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Indigo Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57830732956031,"sku":"M1114","price":2300.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/2522\/files\/Late_Meiji_Period_Japanese_Sh_nai_Bo-Dansu_Kiri_Wood_Merchant_s_Chest_With_Black_Lacquer_Finish_Hand_Forged_Iron_Fittings_Hidden_Drawers_And_Original_Locking_Bar_M1114.jpg?v=1782376402","url":"https:\/\/www.indigo-uk.com\/products\/japanese-black-lacquer-bo-dansu-ironwork","provider":"Indigo Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}