Name: Japanese Kuruma Dansu From Yonezawa - Edo Period
Brand: Indigo Antiques
SKU: M1084
Price: 2450.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

Japanese Edo Period Yonezawa Kuruma Dansu In Keyaki Wood With Urushi Lacquer Original Ironwork Sliding Doors Hidden Drawers And Wheels | Indigo Antiques

Interior Of Japanese Edo Period Yonezawa Kuruma Dansu In Keyaki Wood With Urushi Lacquer Original Ironwork Sliding Doors Hidden Drawers And Wheels | Indigo Antiques

Corner And Wood Grain Detail From Japanese Edo Period Yonezawa Kuruma Dansu In Keyaki Wood With Urushi Lacquer Original Ironwork Sliding Doors Hidden Drawers And Wheels | Indigo Antiques

Anged View Of Japanese Edo Period Yonezawa Kuruma Dansu In Keyaki Wood With Urushi Lacquer Original Ironwork Sliding Doors Hidden Drawers And Wheels | Indigo Antiques

Lower Compartment Detail From Japanese Edo Period Yonezawa Kuruma Dansu In Keyaki Wood With Urushi Lacquer Original Ironwork Sliding Doors Hidden Drawers And Wheels | Indigo Antiques

Drawer Detail From Japanese Edo Period Yonezawa Kuruma Dansu In Keyaki Wood With Urushi Lacquer Original Ironwork Sliding Doors Hidden Drawers And Wheels | Indigo Antiques

Open Drawer Detail From Japanese Edo Period Yonezawa Kuruma Dansu In Keyaki Wood With Urushi Lacquer Original Ironwork Sliding Doors Hidden Drawers And Wheels | Indigo Antiques

Wheel Detai From Japanese Edo Period Yonezawa Kuruma Dansu In Keyaki Wood With Urushi Lacquer Original Ironwork Sliding Doors Hidden Drawers And Wheels | Indigo Antiques

Ironwork Detail From Japanese Edo Period Yonezawa Kuruma Dansu In Keyaki Wood With Urushi Lacquer Original Ironwork Sliding Doors Hidden Drawers And Wheels | Indigo Antiques

Top Down View Of Japanese Edo Period Yonezawa Kuruma Dansu In Keyaki Wood With Urushi Lacquer Original Ironwork Sliding Doors Hidden Drawers And Wheels | Indigo Antiques

Detail From Top of Japanese Edo Period Yonezawa Kuruma Dansu In Keyaki Wood With Urushi Lacquer Original Ironwork Sliding Doors Hidden Drawers And Wheels | Indigo Antiques

SKU: M1084 Late 18th Century, from Yonezawa, Japan

£2,450 * Margin Scheme: No UK Tax

Dimensions:: W111 x D56 x H111 cm
Quality:: Every piece restored & checked in UK
: £80 (4-8 working days)

Only 1 available – a unique piece
Backordered, shipping soon

This excellent Japanese Kuruma Dansu (wheeled chest) originates from Yonezawa, a castle town in Yamagata Prefecture renowned for producing some of Japan's finest tansu cabinetry during the Edo period. Kuruma dansu were wheeled chests used for storing household and shop valuables. They are some of the older Japanese chests with this one dating to the Edo period (1603 - 1868).

This kuruma dansu was made for a wealthy customer, illustrated by its construction from beautifully figured Zelkova (Keyaki) wood and finishing with a rich Urushi lacquer - even on the drawer sides, a mark of finer quality craftsmanship. The wood & iron hardware have developed a wonderful aged patina over time.

The upper section features sliding panel doors that can be moved in either direction to reveal generous storage compartments behind. The lower section offers additional concealed storage, including a hinged lockbox cupboard containing four internal drawers, demonstrating the highly functional design for which Japanese tansu furniture is celebrated.

Examples from Yonezawa are particularly admired for their refined proportions, robust construction and sophisticated iron fittings, making this an outstanding piece for both collectors and interior designers alike.

Origin: Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
Date: Edo Period (1603–1868)
Materials: Zelkova (Keyaki) wood, Urushi lacquer, hand-forged iron fittings
Construction: Traditional Japanese joinery
Features: Mounted on original wheels, sliding panel doors, concealed storage compartments, four internal drawers behind hinged cupboard door
Condition: Very good antique condition with age-related wear and a beautiful original patina
Dimensions: W111 x D56 x H111 cm

Reference: For similar examples and further reading see Japanese Cabinetry: The Art & Craft of Tansu by David Jackson & Dane Owen, page 141 OR Traditional Japanese Furniture: A Definitive Guide by Kazuko Koizumi figure 28.