Description

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (Merchant Chest) made of Keyaki Burl (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Handmade iron fittings featuring the raised tea leaf design on the front corners of each drawer. Sliding doors with locking bar covering a book and business document storage area with shel while the hinged door covers 2 small drawers. Side handles swivel up allowing a wood bar or bamboo pole to be slid through for two people to carry this chest about.

Merchants chest were used primarily for two purposes. The first was its function as a business storage chest where accounting books, writing paper, calligraphy brushes, an abacus and other office items were kept. The second was a form of advertising to customers showing the success and longevity of the business especially one that can afford to own such a magnificent piece.

Age: Late Edo Period (1800-1868)

Dimensions: 38 1/4″ High x 37″ Wide x 16″ Deep