This Japanese tansu is made in the traditional isho kasane dansu style in 2 parts with 4 drawers. It has a small lockbox which opens to reveal two sets of drawers and features dramatic fan shaped lockplates which are an early 20th century amendment. It dates to the Meji era, circa 1890 and is larger than most Japanese tansu chests. 

This isho dansu is made in the traditional way and would have been crafted by two specialists, a carpenter, and an ironworker. This tansu like most is constructed from mixed woods, this is keyaki (red elm) drawer fronts and a sugi (cryptomeria) frame. It features iconic tea seedpod motif on the corners of the drawers identifying this piece as from Niigata. Kasane dansu were made as clothing chest of drawers for storage of expensive clothing and garments. Homes usually had one clothing chest for winter clothing and a separate one for summer clothing. Carrying handles allowed these chests to be stored in outhouses when not in use.

Note the Kanto style came from the Kanto region around Tokyo. Kanto style tansu were popular during the Meiji era and imitated the earlier Edo style. As time went on, the Kanto style spread to be imitated by other areas in Japan. 

References:

A similar example can be found in Japanese Cabinetry: The Art & Craft of Tansu by Jackson & Owen, page 192.

From Japan

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