Early Meiji Japanese Ammunition Chest Matsumoto Castle

Details

Description

This antique Japanese ammunition chest originates from Matsumoto Castle and dates back to the early Meiji period (1868-1912).

The chest … Read more This antique Japanese ammunition chest originates from Matsumoto Castle and dates back to the early Meiji period (1868-1912).

The chest is crafted from wood and finished with a deep red lacquer, which has developed a beautifully weathered patina over the years.

Dimensions: height 49.5 cm, width 69 cm, depth 31 cm.

What makes this chest particularly remarkable is the presence of two Kamon (family crests).

The first Kamon on this chest is identified as the Rokuyō (六曜), also known as Muttsu-boshi (六つ星), or ‘Six Stars’. This emblem was often associated with the Toda clan, an influential samurai family that served under the Tokugawa shogunate.

The second Kamon is a variation of the Matsudaira crest, closely related to the Tokugawa crest (Maru-ni-mitsuba-aoi, three hollyhock leaves in a circle). This suggests a possible connection to the Matsudaira clan, a branch of the Tokugawa family, which held significant military and administrative positions.

The ammunition chest is finished with sturdy metal fittings, essential for military use. Based on the inscriptions and the Kamon (family crests), this chest can be dated to the late Edo period (19th century) or early Meiji period (1868-1912).

Thanks to its distinctive character and solid construction, it is ideally suited as a unique storage piece, a special coffee table, or a decorative showpiece in both traditional and modern interiors.

The combination of military history, artisanal craftsmanship, and timeless design makes this a rare and exceptional collectible. See less