Description

An antique Japanese Kansai Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Beautiful original Urushi lacquer finish and hand made iron fittings including the Warabite handles. Sliding doors hide a spacious area that was used to store business books and records while the 11 drawers held all things suitable for a merchant e.g. writing brushes, inkstone, receipts, valuables and money.

Each side has handles for carrying about the chest. The swivel handle was used in conjunction with a wood pole through it which allowed two persons to easily transport this chest from place to place. The pair of hand handles were used to position the chest for placement in the store.

Age: Meiji Era (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 34 1/4 38 1/2 16 1/2