Japanese Bo Choba Dansu – Meiji Period – Ca 1880

This antique Japanese choba dansu is defined by its bo, the central locking bar that keeps the drawers secure. This chest is made predominantly from keyaki (red elm) and is unusually heavy for a tansu. Keyaki was prized for its deep colours and beautiful grain structure. This tansu chest retains the original iron hardware and urushi lacquer finish. The handles are made in the warabite leech style.

The style of ironwork is from Mikuni town in Fukui and this piece dates to the Meiji period (1868 – 1912). This was likely used in a shop. The lacquer underneath the bo is a different colour due to exposure to sunlight.  

This tansu has three large drawers. Underneath those are two smaller drawers and a small corner set of drawers. Both are kept secure by two locking bo which come with their original working keys.

From Japan

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