Description

An antique Japanese 2 section Nagoya Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress), Akita Sugi (Cryptomeria from the Akita region) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original iron fittings. Constructed using mortise and tenon & through mortise and tenon joinery as well as hardened wood nails. There are side horizontal slats for added strength and support. The top sliding door panels were decorated with beautiful flowing grain Akita Sugi wood boards. The hardware features stylized Mokko handles with Chrysanthemum escutcheons on the lock knob and backplates. Two drawers reside behind the hinged door. This chest features a secret hiding place found by removing the bottom drawer behind the hinged door and removing the false floor that reveals a shallow cavity to store flat valuables and important documents.

Age: Meiji Period (circa 1870-1880)

Dimensions: 37 1/8″ x 67 3/8″ x 17″ Deep