A rare antique Japanese Kasane (stacking chest on chest) Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. Original Urushi lacquer finish and hand made iron hardware. Double side by side upper drawer design sometimes considered the matriarch pattern among Sendai Tansu collectors. Beautifully poised Shishi or Botan (Peony) motif on all of the lock plates with unusual scalloped cast framing surrounding each image. Warabite handles with incised Chrysanthemums along the bottoms of each. Hinged door hides two small drawers where valuables were hidden away. The Shishi (aka Fu Dog) is a mythical lion-like creature and a protector of the Buddhist faith. Often seen at the entrance of temples in Japan, they retain good spirits within and expel evil spirits. The lock plates were made for this tansu at the request of the owner who had this piece specially commissioned. Age: Meiji Era (circa 1890-1910) Dimensions: 45 3/4" Wide by 41 1/4" High by 17 3/4" Deep