Description

An antique Japanese Tsuruoka Bo Tansu (chest with locking bar) made of Sugi (Cryptomeria) wood. Original Urushi lacquer finish and hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute handles. The locking bar features a flying crane amidst a forest of Sho Chiku Bai (Pine trees, Bamboo and Plum blossom trees). The lock plate on the bottom drawer features an auspicious sea turtle. Longevity is represented by the crane (1,000 years), the turtle (10,000 years) and the Pine tree while strength and tenacity is symbolized by Bamboo and beauty is exemplified by the Plum blossom. The hinged door hides two small drawers where valuables would have been once stored.

A pair of lift-up side handles allowed for a wood pole to be inserted whereby two persons would move the tansu from place to place. Two pairs of smaller side handles were used to easily position the tansu. Straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails were used when it was made.

Age: Early Meiji Era (1870-1880)

Dimensions: 34 3/4″ Wide by 39 3/8″ High by 16″ Deep