Description

An antique Japanese Kasane Tansu in 2 sections with a 3 drawer upper and 2 drawer lower design made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand made iron hardware with Urushi dark red lacquer finish and Gumbai handles. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. Lock plates have hand engraved auspicious symbols with Sho Chiku Bai comprising the upper section while the crane and turtle making up the bottom section.

Sho Chiku Bai or Pine, Bamboo, and Plum Blossom refers to the three felicitous friends of winter where the Pine tree represents longevity, the Bamboo represents strength and resilience and the Plum Blossom represents beauty. The crane and turtle represents long life with the crane symbolizing 1,000 years and the sea turtle representing 10,000 years. The sea turtle is shown with a long trail of sea moss looking like a tail and myth has it that it took centuries to develop.

Dimensions: 35 1/2″ Wide by 47 5/8″ High by 16 1/4″ Deep

Age: Mid Meiji Era (1880-1890)