We believe this piece to be an Isho-dansu tansu clothing chest.  In three separate sections, it is superbly hand-crafted with exquisite crane and turtle motifs to the round escutcheons.  There is a saying in Japan that “cranes live for one thousand years, and turtles for ten thousand years.”  The crane symbolises good fortune and longevity and the turtle symbolises wisdom, luck, protection, and longevity.  The crane placed above the turtle symbolises the opposition of heaven and earth. 

Sectional, campaign style Tansu chests 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. 

• Elm timber, iron hardware
• circa mid-1800 to c1900
• in 3 stackable parts with side iron carry handles
• hand-cut dovetail joined construction
• 10 peg & butt joint drawers (inc’ 3 internal drawers)
• round escutcheons with crane, turtle & flower motifs
• safe box; cross braced door revealing 2 hidden drawers
• C handles to the drawers
• 6 locks, no key

👉 Condition overview; all of the hard ware fittings are in place and the drawers and doors all work well.  It displays wear consistent with age and use along with a beautiful original finish to the timber

👉 Dimensions; 1105mm wide x 375mm deep x 1460mm high.