This monumental 69-inch Tansu is a stunning fusion of Japanese Edo-period utility and high-art aesthetic. Originally designed for the organized storage of a merchant's household or a grand provincial estate, this chest features a sophisticated multi-drawer configuration and hidden sliding compartments. The piece is finished in a deep, aged black lacquer that has developed a rich, matte-lustre patina over the decades. The true "soul" of the piece is the hand-painted door, which showcases a classical Japanese landscape featuring a gnarled pine tree—a symbol of longevity and steadfastness—rendered in traditional gold leaf and earth tones. Massive hand-forged iron hardware, including circular lock plates and pulls, provide a rugged, architectural contrast to the delicate painting. This specific "Long Tansu" (Naga-dansu) served as a versatile storage unit for textiles, scrolls, and valuables. The presence of the Kannon-biraki double-door section with internal secret drawers indicates it was likely a high-status piece. Unlike modern replicas, the lacquer finish here is authentic, showing the subtle depth that only comes from genuine urushi-style applications on solid cedar or paulownia wood.
- *Era: Meiji Period / Antique
- *Material: Solid cedar/paulownia wood; lacquer finish; hand-forged iron
- *Size: 69.5"(L) x 16"(D) x 31"(H)
- *Color: Deep Charcoal Black / Aged Gold Leaf Accents
- *Features: Multi-drawer configuration with sliding door and hidden compartments; hand-painted pine landscape panel; original iron lock plates and warabite pulls
- *Origin: Japan · Sourced in Japan
- *Condition: Wear consistent with age & use; blemishes and imperfections are part of its character and historical value.
(Requires White Glove Delivery)
- **Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio.