A rustic antique Japanese tansu chest, dating from approximately around 1900. Constructed in two independent stacking sections, the chest features five wide drawers, substantial hand-forged iron fittings, and a concealed compartment in the lower right containing two small drawers. The modular construction allowed the chest to be separated for easier transport.
Materials
Constructed from Japanese timber, with a strongly grained, darkened exterior and lighter timber visible within the smaller drawers and interior sections. The chest retains its original hand-forged iron hardware, including the substantial circular lock plates, warabite-style drawer handles, corner fittings, and side carrying handles.
Unit APPROX. Dimensions
HEIGHT: 104.5CM / 41.14''
WIDTH: 92.7CM / 36.4''
DEPTH: 40.6CM / 15.98''
APPROX. DRAWER DIMENSIONS
LARGE DRAWER
HEIGHT: 12.9CM / 5.07''
WIDTH: 88.9CM / 35''
MEDIUM DRAWER
HEIGHT: 21.6CM / 8.5''
WIDTH: 65.4CM / 25.74''
HIDDEN DRAWER, BOTTOM RIGHT
HEIGHT: 12.6CM / 4.96''
WIDTH: 21.3 / 8.38''
Condition & Antique Character
The chest retains a naturally aged and weathered appearance, with extensive surface rubbing, scratches, dents, fading, and variations in colour across the timber. The dark finish has worn back across the drawer fronts and top, revealing the natural grain and giving the chest a dry, rustic character.
The original iron fittings have developed a deep, naturally darkened patina with areas of surface oxidation. The drawers show signs of repeated use, including wear to the runners, edges, and drawer fronts. The concealed lower compartment remains intact, with its two original small drawers.
Minor timber losses, small separations, edge wear, old repairs, and other marks of age may be present. The chest retains its original character and has not been overly restored. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.
The chest has been treated for woodworm professionally, though there is no visible signs of them.
