LOCK japanese tansu chest funadansu box armor samurai

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LOCK japanese tansu chest funadansu box armor samurai

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Sold Date: 07/14/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

Large and Heavy Brass Lock.

A very large and heavy (583g/1.28lb) brass lock. This type of lock was often used on kura (storage warehouses) or on heavy funadansu (ship chests) or kinko (safes). Unique side entry keyhole. Folding key for easy portability. Lock opens and closes smoothly.

Can't read old kanji ideographs, but the coins show various auspicious kanjis for wealth and good fortune.

Samurai society was said to despise both merchants and money, so it is surprising that coins such as these were even used as kamon (family crests.) During the feudal era, Japan did not mint its own money, instead importing it from Ming China. The names of some coins, such as the eiraku and the kanei, became auspicious words meaning "eternal happiness" and "generous eternity." An enduring Buddhist practice has family members place six coins alongside the body of their recently deceased family member to help him navigate the six paths of the underworld, paying alms to six jizo (gods) along the way.

Very good to excellent condition.

Probably late 1800s - early 1900.

H 2.75" (7cm) W 5.5" (14cm) D 1.25" (3cm) Opening: 2.5" (6.4cm) Pin dia. 5/16" (8cm)

Please ask all questions before bidding. I am happy to respond to all of your concerns.

I guarantee that this is an authentic period piece and that I have shown and described the piece and any defects to the best of my ability. Bid with confidence!

Keep in mind that the Japanese economy has been depressed for years, so pieces like this are now going for a fraction of the cost that they were even just a few years ago. Further, I've worked hard to get the best price possible (to pass on to you) and I'm buying in the Japanese yen, which is now at very low levels against foreign currencies. Don't miss this chance to get a fantastic piece at a price you may never see again.

I will send the winner an invoice after the auction closes. Please respond within 3 business days, give me your mailing address, and add appropriate shipping charge as listed below. PAYPAL or INTERNATIONAL POSTAL MONEY ORDER ONLY PLEASE! (Sorry, I cannot accept cash, checks, bank money orders, etc.)

Although I offer Paypal for your convenience, I would prefer an IPMO in order to avoid Paypal's fees. If you pay by IPMO, I will give you a 1% discount from the total price for your trouble. An IPMO takes only about 5 days to arrive and EMS shipping from Japan takes as little as 3 days!

All items inspected before careful packing. Sent by EMS (insurance included.)

Asia $21 N. America/Australia $26 Europe $31

See my other items now on EBAY!

ABOUT ME

Led by my long interest in the samurai, in 1990 I came to live in Himeji , home of the largest samurai castle surviving in original condition today. As a member of a local guide group, I have studied its amazing devices in minute detail, and have enjoyed broadening my knowledge of samurai practices, thinking and lifestyle, as well. During my time , I have amassed a nice collection of various samurai accoutrements. I have endeavored to put together a collection of unique and rare pieces, and it would be wonderful to keep them all, but alas, my Japanese apartment (and my budget) is only so big. I have until recently bought from and sold to reputable local dealers, but I hope to sell more and more on eBay. By all means put me on your favorites list. Let's enjoy Japanese lifestyle!