Description

Antique Japanese kuruma tansu (wheeled storage chest) from the Northern Sendai area closer to Iwayado. The front of the chest is made with keyaki (zelkova elm) wood with lovely grain and original red-orange translucent lacquer finish. The frame is made of sugi (cryptomeria). The large, raised iron lock plate on the top drawer depicts a pair of cranes flying in clouds. The middle two drawers are held in place with a locking bar (bo) with pine tree shaped ironwork. The bottom drawer has a lock plate in the the form of an ancient turtle. On the right hand side of the chest are two smaller drawers, one above and one below a large safe box. The safe box opens to reveal three interior drawers. The two small exterior drawers as well as the hinged safe box door have chrysanthemum shaped iron hardware. Drawer pulls are warabite in form. This kuruma comes with three working keys.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 42″ high x 47 1/2″ wide x 19 1/4″ deep