1870 Tansu or Kakusuzuri Chest in Wood and Hand-Forged Iron

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Description

Beautifully patinated antique Japanese chest known as a funa tansu or kakesuzuri. These chests were used as portable safes by … Read more Beautifully patinated antique Japanese chest known as a funa tansu or kakesuzuri. These chests were used as portable safes by merchants and ship captains to store valuable documents and money.
The chest is made of wood, likely keyaki(zelkova) and sugi (cedar), and is reinforced with hand-forged iron hardware. Lovely patina and warm wood tones.
The iron hardware includes corner brackets, hinges, a lock plate, and a carrying handle.
These chests typically have a single door that reveals multiple drawers inside.

My research describes the text on the underside of the wooden box as a form of Japanese inscription known as hakogaki, which is commonly found on boxes for items such as ceramics, teaware, or other art objects. The inscription typically identifies the contents, the artist, and sometimes includes a date.

A translation of the visible text is as follows:

明治三年三月上旬 (Meiji sannen sangatsu jōjun): "Early March, 3rd year of Meiji." The Meiji era began in 1868. Therefore, the 3rd year of Meiji corresponds to 1870.

山口相次郎 (Yamaguchi Sōjirō): A name, likely the artist or owner of the item. See less