Description

An antique Japanese Kyoto Todana Tansu made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Two large sliding doors open to a spacious storage area with a center shelf. Horizontal wooden slats on the doors and the sides allow for visual aesthetics and strength of the chest. Side swivel handles were used for transporting this chest by running a long wood pole through the handles allowing a group of helpers to easily carry this chest from location to location.

The Japanese philosophy that less is more is quite evident in this tansu. The culture of Japan has an affinity to the geometry and repetition of design as showcased in this piece. Straight simple lines as opposed to elaborate carvings evokes a sensual beauty as well as form and function. The carpenter who was commissioned to make this tansu chose wood that would not distract the user with fancy grain patterns making it bespoke within the confines of its design for its end user with no two pieces being alike.

Age: Meiji Era (1870-1880)

Dimensions: 73 3/4″ Wide by 33″ High by 18 1/4″ Deep