This superb Isho-dansu tansu clothing chest is beautifully hand-crafted and hand-signed in Japanese characters (on advice it appears to be the signature / surname of the maker).  Tansu chests such as this were originally made to store Samuri swords and then clothing, specifically Kimono.  They were designed to be moved around (hence side handles) and were initially kept in storage areas for storage of out-of-season clothing.  Around the late 1800’s, due to their ornate fittings and lovely timber, they were moved out of storage and into homes as useful, yet decorative pieces of furniture.  It features;

• we believe it to be Sugi (cedar) timber construction but cannot be certain - they were also traditionally made from Keyaki (elm), Kuri (chestnut), Ezo matsu (pine), Kiri (paulownia) and Hinoki (cypress) along with brass & iron fittings
• circa 1800’s
• 9 peg & butt joint drawers
• door with brass strap hinges
• 3 internal drawers
• complete brass & iron fittings & hinges
• complete & matching bail handles
• hand signed in Japanese characters (on advice, it appears it is the signature / surname of the maker).  If you know more about or can decipher the characters – please let us know!

Condition overview; in fair to good condition, relative to its age, it is a solid, beautifully hand-crafted piece.  All of the drawers work relatively well as does the door.  As expected on a well-used piece of this vintage, it displays a number of general wear, knock and surface marks (particularly to the top) and inconsistency to the finish (including to the right-hand side).  We believe it may have been refurbished at some point but unsure.

Dimensions; 1185mm wide x 400mm deep x 1005mm high.