Hangai 半櫃 (half-chest) funa-dansu 船箪笥 (ship's chest) - Kiri paulownia (cedar) wood, Iron, Hinoki cypress wood - Japan - Second half Edo period (18th century/First half 19th century)
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Current bid
€ 300
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 2,900 - € 3,200
 | €300 | |
|---|---|---|
| €1 |
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A double-section Hangai ship’s chest from Sado Island, Japan, dating to the Second half of the Edo period, made with kiri wood and hinoki panels with iron fittings, measuring 108.1 cm high by 81.7 cm wide by 43.8 cm deep and in excellent, restored condition with a certificate of authenticity included.
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Description from the seller
A rare wooden stacked hangai 半櫃 (half-chest) funa-dansu 船箪笥 (ship's chest) from Sado Island, constructed in two sections and richly adorned with auspicious iron fittings.
This distinctive type of ship chest originates from Sado Island 佐渡, off the coast of present-day Niigata Prefecture 新潟県. Designed for maritime merchants, hangai chests were compact yet robust, allowing them to be stacked securely aboard coastal trading vessels while providing protected storage for valuables and documents.
The cabinet is constructed with a sturdy frame and removable front panels of kiri 桐 (paulownia) wood, finished in a deep brown lacquer with an attractive patina. The drawer fronts are crafted from finely grained hinoki 檜 (Japanese cypress). The entire cabinet is reinforced with exceptionally elaborate hand-forged iron fittings.
Both sections opens by removing the front panel, revealing two spacious drawers.
The lock plates and corner fittings of the upper section are decorated with cranes 鶴 (tsuru), while those of the lower section depict minogame 蓑亀, the mythical long-tailed turtle.
Together they form a highly auspicious pairing in Japanese art, both symbolising longevity, prosperity, and good fortune.
The removable panels are fitted with hirute 蛭手 bail handles, complemented by chrysanthemum-shaped studs, while the drawers retain kakute 角手 bail handles.
The sides are fitted with sturdy warabite 蕨手 carrying handles and an unusual side locking mechanism, a rarely encountered feature that allowed the two sections to be secured together during transport (not functional anymore).
The two parts are also very suited to be placed next to each other.
Period: Japan – Second half Edo period (18th century/First half 19th century)
Dimensions:
Height: 108.1 cm (T 53.8 cm; B 54.3 cm); Width: 81.7 cm; Depth: 43.8 cm.
The cabinet is in very good restored condition, with wear consistent with age and use, including reparation to the upper lock plate. Please refer to the photographs for a clear condition reference.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
Seller's Story
Since 1996, Japanese Antique Store has been importing Japanese antiques directly from Japan.
We travel several times a year through Japan and visit auctions, shows, dealers, and collectors.
Besides our physical store in Amsterdam, we are also active on Catawiki. We specialize in Samoeraipantser (Yoroi) and objects, lacquerware, screens, paintings, Buddhist images, and many more Japanese artifacts!
Translated by Google TranslateA rare wooden stacked hangai 半櫃 (half-chest) funa-dansu 船箪笥 (ship's chest) from Sado Island, constructed in two sections and richly adorned with auspicious iron fittings.
This distinctive type of ship chest originates from Sado Island 佐渡, off the coast of present-day Niigata Prefecture 新潟県. Designed for maritime merchants, hangai chests were compact yet robust, allowing them to be stacked securely aboard coastal trading vessels while providing protected storage for valuables and documents.
The cabinet is constructed with a sturdy frame and removable front panels of kiri 桐 (paulownia) wood, finished in a deep brown lacquer with an attractive patina. The drawer fronts are crafted from finely grained hinoki 檜 (Japanese cypress). The entire cabinet is reinforced with exceptionally elaborate hand-forged iron fittings.
Both sections opens by removing the front panel, revealing two spacious drawers.
The lock plates and corner fittings of the upper section are decorated with cranes 鶴 (tsuru), while those of the lower section depict minogame 蓑亀, the mythical long-tailed turtle.
Together they form a highly auspicious pairing in Japanese art, both symbolising longevity, prosperity, and good fortune.
The removable panels are fitted with hirute 蛭手 bail handles, complemented by chrysanthemum-shaped studs, while the drawers retain kakute 角手 bail handles.
The sides are fitted with sturdy warabite 蕨手 carrying handles and an unusual side locking mechanism, a rarely encountered feature that allowed the two sections to be secured together during transport (not functional anymore).
The two parts are also very suited to be placed next to each other.
Period: Japan – Second half Edo period (18th century/First half 19th century)
Dimensions:
Height: 108.1 cm (T 53.8 cm; B 54.3 cm); Width: 81.7 cm; Depth: 43.8 cm.
The cabinet is in very good restored condition, with wear consistent with age and use, including reparation to the upper lock plate. Please refer to the photographs for a clear condition reference.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
Seller's Story
Since 1996, Japanese Antique Store has been importing Japanese antiques directly from Japan.
We travel several times a year through Japan and visit auctions, shows, dealers, and collectors.
Besides our physical store in Amsterdam, we are also active on Catawiki. We specialize in Samoeraipantser (Yoroi) and objects, lacquerware, screens, paintings, Buddhist images, and many more Japanese artifacts!
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Dynastic Style/Period
Second half Edo period (18th century/First half 19th century)
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Kiri paulownia (cedar) wood, Iron, Hinoki cypress wood
Height
108.1 cm
Width
81.7 cm
Title of artwork
Hangai 半櫃 (half-chest) funa-dansu 船箪笥 (ship's chest)
Depth
43.8 cm
Condition
Excellent condition
Authenticity
Original/official
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