Antique Japanese Choba Tansu (Merchant Chest) constructed of Keyaki (Elm), Hinoki (Cypress) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. Horizontal slates on the sliding doors and sides of the chest make up the traditional design of this piece. It features side pull-up handles, Kakute drawer pulls and rectangular locking plates. Originally used by a shop owner, this chest was typically positioned in a prominent location of the store to showcase the success and longevity of the business. The tansu comes from the Makuni area.

Late Edo period (c1800-1850)

Dimensions: 38 1/2" high x 35 3/4" wide x 16 5/8" deep.