This late Meiji period (1868 - 1912) Isho Dansu is from Sendai province. As is classic of many Japanese dansu chests, the chests are stacked, splitting in two. It was common for Japanese homes to have a summer clothing chest & winter clothing chest. When not in use, the redundant chest would be kept in storage, usually in an outhouse.

The masterfully crafted ironwork is particular to Sendai province. Sendai metalwork forgoes straight lines and spreads effortlessly. The more extravagant fittings like those on this tansu appeared in the mid Meiji period (1860 - 1910) when the sword carrying ban of 1876 was brought about. Sendai swordsmiths were famed for their high-quality work and turned their hand to tansu metalwork instead. This work depicts repoussé work dragons in clouds, a common design that first appeared around 1902. Pieces such as this were often made for export to The West and were made from luxurious red elm (keyaki in Japanese. Also known as zelkova).

Many Japanese antiques we find are poorly restored - We painstakingly restore each piece using traditional Japanese techniques to ensure these pieces last and are loved for many more lifetimes to come.

From Japan

118 x 44 x 97 (wxdxh cms)

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