Japanese Choba-Tansu Merchant Chest

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Antique japanese choba-tansu merchant chest made in keyaki wood (japanese zelkova) with forged iron hardware, dating from the late meiji … Read more Antique japanese choba-tansu merchant chest made in keyaki wood (japanese zelkova) with forged iron hardware, dating from the late meiji to early taisho period, circa 1880–1920.
the choba-tansu was an essential piece of furniture in traditional japanese merchant houses. It was used to store documents, accounting records, money and valuables, functioning as both an archive and a domestic strongbox within shops and homes.the exterior structure is crafted in keyaki (zelkova serrata), a wood highly valued in japanese furniture for its strength and striking grain patterns. Drawer interiors are traditionally made from paulownia (kiri), a lightweight and stable wood ideal for protecting documents and textiles.
the front displays a characteristic asymmetrical composition with drawers of various sizes, vertical compartments and a larger lower drawer. This layout allowed merchants to organize different types of items within a single cabinet.the elaborate forged iron hardware not only reinforced the structure but also served as decorative elements. The plates, handles and corner reinforcements reflect the metalworking traditions associated with tansu production during the meiji period.
the surface retains a rich natural patina with signs of age and use, developed over many decades. These marks contribute to the authenticity and character of antique japanese furniture.today this tansu works beautifully as a chest of drawers, storage cabinet or sculptural statement piece in contemporary interiors, particularly those inspired by wabi-sabi, japandi or minimalist design.
details
origin: japan period: late meiji – early
taisho period date of manufacture: circa 1880–1920
materials: keyaki (zelkova serrata), paulownia (kiri), iron hardware dimensions: length: 84 cm depth: 40 cm height: 105 cm condition: good. Wear consistent with age and use.
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