Japanese Cherry Lacquer Tansu

Designed to be versatile and portable, Japanese tansu chests were multipurpose storage cabinets that moved throughout the home and could accompany their owners in long-distance travel. This example is a single-section clothing tansu (isho yaro-tansu), designed with multiple drawers for storing fine clothing and official attire. Crafted in the late 19th century, the tansu is a lovely example of Meiji-era cabinetry, constructed of cherry-lacquered pine with traditional joinery and iron hardware.

Ideal as a dresser or chest-of-drawers, the tansu is comprised of five full-face drawers, each affixed with two hirute (leech-shaped) drawer pulls. At the center of each drawer is a large, single-action lock plate with a simple keyhole, a cherry blossom button latch, a fan-shaped drawer stop and chased decoration of swirling clouds. Darkened to a matte black with heated lacquer, the distinctive iron hardware has developed rich patina from years of use and elegantly contrasts the red-brown color of the tansu's sheer lacquer finish.

Additional Dimensions:
Drawers: 48"W x 14.75"D x 6.25"H