Description

An antique Japanese Sado Island Kasane Tansu made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware (including Warabite handles) and wiped Urushi lacquer finish. The metalsmith showcased his talent adding Chrysanthemum corners to each drawer front and Mum backplates to each handle. As if that were not enough, the tansu maker added iron plating to the front frame showcasing the individual drawers.

Upper drawer lock plates each feature a Phoenix which represents hope, renewal, rebirth and immortality. The bottom two drawers shows a crane above symbolizing 1,000 years of long life and a turtle below signifying 10,000 years of longevity. The hinged door features Chrysanthemums representing happiness, love and longevity.

Behind the door are three small drawers and a well hidden secret box. The box held valuables which were not prone to casual theft requiring a thief to spend more time puzzling its retrieval.

Each section has side swivel handles which allowed two persons to carry them from place to place. This is a rare tansu indeed as are all Sado Island tansu.