Japanese Isho Kasane Dansu From Matsumoto - Late Meiji (Circa 1890)

This Japanese tansu chest dates to the late Meji era Era (Circa 1890) and from Matsumoto. Kasane dansu is the term used for stacking chests - these chests separate into two parts. Isho tansu chests are specifically used for storing clothes. It was common for Japanese homes to have a summer clothing chest & winter clothing chest. The carrying handles allowed these chests to be stored in outhouses when not in use.

This tansu is made in the traditional way and would have been crafted by two specialists, a carpenter, and an ironworker. Most tansu are constructed from mixed woods. The drawer fronts are keyaki (red elm), and the frame is poplar, an unusual choice of wood rarely found in tansu. The top is cherry wood. The handles are cast iron mokku and the iron locks are in the shape of the money bag motif. It consists of four large drawers and two smaller behind a small hinged panel.

References:

A similar example can be found in Japanese Cabinetry: The Art & Craft of Tansu by Jackson & Owen, page 123.

From Japan

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