Kanto Style Japanese Isho Dansu - Late Meiji Era

This Japanese tansu chest dates to the latter part of the Meiji Era (1868-1912) - circa 1900 and is made in the Kanto style which became the norm for Japanese tansu in the 20th century. Kanto tansu are from the fertile Kanto plain which includes the city of Tokyo. Japanese tastes consider this style of tansu as refined leading to this style often referred to as iki (chic). 

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. Sumptuary law restricted chonin (townspeople) to owning unlacquered chests such as this one.

This tansu is made in the traditional way and would likely have been crafted by two specialists, a carpenter, and an ironworker. It is constructed from sugi (cryptomeria) with kiri (paulownia) drawer fronts. The flat black painted mokku (melon vine) shaped handles are cast iron with the corner hardware in the shape of a fan.  

From Japan

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