JAPANESE 140 YR OLD LIDED DRAWERED CALLIGRAPHY TANSU

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This is a Japanese three drawer (with a lidded 4th drawer), calligraphy tansu with an exterior made entirely of Japanese kuri ( chestnut ) wood. The interior is of cryptomeria wood. Covering the chestnut exterior is a protective finish of Japanese urushi lacquer. This chest shows a high degree of Japanese craftsmanship in the joinery, the entire construction is of wooden peg (see picture 11). It dates to the early Meiji Era (c.1870). It is dated on the bottom of each drawer (see picture 10). In Japanese it says" Meiji 7th year (1874) with the name of the owner, Echigoya (probably a store's name) and the address: Higashimachi . Though it is dated 1874 by its owner, this chest likely dates at least five to ten years earlier. The drawer pulls, hinges, locks and latches are all made of hand forged iron with a protective coat of burnt lacquer. The locking drawer is frozen in unlocked position and therefore will not require a key. It was used to contain valuables such as the the personal name chop and money or jewelry as well as letter writing and calligraphy tools. It was the forerunner of the attache case as it was used to take accounting items out of the shop or home when doing business. The top has a lidded section which held brushes, an ink stone and and name chop ( all included). With the exception of a very warm patina that only read more

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