Description

Rare antique Japanese large kuruma tansu, wheeled storage chest. Made with keyaki (elm) wood on the front. The sides and back are reinforced with hinoki (Japanese cypress) slats. The upper portion of the chest has three full-width drawers held shut with a locking bar (bo). The lower portion has two medium sized drawers also held shut with another locking bar. On the lower right hand side is a safe box with a hinged door (with key) which opens to reveal 3 small interior drawers. The hardware is made of iron and includes hirute shaped drawer pulls and extensive corner bracing. The finish is the original wiped lacquer in a deep reddish color. This chest would have once been used inside a household kura (store room) to hold important personal belongings. The purpose of the wheels were so that it could be quickly moved out of the kura in case of a fire.

Age: Edo Period (early 1800’s)

Dimensions: 48″ high x 53 1/4″ wide x 28 3/4″ deep