Storehouse door 蔵戸 (kurado) - very large - Iron, Keyaki (zelkova) wood - Japan - Circa 1910, Late Meiji period

04
days
21
hours
53
minutes
31
seconds
Current bid
€ 3
Reserve price not met
Giovanni Bottero
Expert
Selected by Giovanni Bottero

Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.

Estimate  € 2,000 - € 2,200
FR
€3
NL
€2
FR
€1

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Original late Meiji period storehouse door from Japan, circa 1910, constructed of iron and zelkova wood with lattice upper panels and a large circular iron lock plate with chrysanthemum and guardian lion motifs, measuring 192 cm high, 108.5 cm wide and 7 cm deep, in excellent condition with some age-related wear and a certificate of authenticity included.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

An imposing summer storehouse door 蔵戸 (kurado), constructed from Japanese zelkova wood 欅 (keyaki) and fitted with elaborate iron hardware. The wood has a deep reddish-brown patina, contrasting with the dark metal fittings.

The upper section consists of closely spaced vertical latticework, reinforced with iron strips on the reverse. Shaped metal mounts embellish the frame and cross rails, with raised characters 南 and 部 on the upper and middle rails, together reading 南部 (Nanbu), meaning ‘Southern part’.

The solid lower panel carries a large circular iron lock plate adorned with chrysanthemum appliqués 菊 (kiku), two medallions depicting guardian lions 獅子 (shishi), and a small manufacturer’s plaque. A rotary fitting forms part of the mechanical alarm-lock assembly, whose exposed gears, spring and bell remain visible on the reverse.

The plaque bears the mark of Nihon Seijô Co., Ltd. 日本製錠株式會社 of Takaoka and Patent No. 18722, granted in 1910 for an improved version of the alarm lock originally invented by the Takaoka craftsman Futagami Sotojirô 二上外次郎.

Such lattice doors provided ventilation while securing a traditional storehouse 蔵 (kura), where valuables and household possessions were kept. They were used behind a heavier plastered outer door, which could be closed and sealed against fire.

An impressive piece in its own right, the door also offers an interesting opportunity for conversion into a distinctive table, with a supporting frame beneath and a protective glass top. Please see the example photograph generated by AI for inspiration.

Period: Japan – Circa 1910, Late Meiji period
Dimensions:
Height 192 cm, Width 108.5 cm, Depth 7 cm.

In very good condition with signs of age and use with small restorations, including some surface wear, and oxidation to the metal fittings. The original alarm mechanism is present but not operable. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.

A certificate of authenticity will be included.

Please note: Due to its exceptional size, this piece is available for collection near Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Transport within the Netherlands and to Antwerp, Brussels, Paris and their surrounding areas may be arranged by prior agreement.

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 Translate

An imposing summer storehouse door 蔵戸 (kurado), constructed from Japanese zelkova wood 欅 (keyaki) and fitted with elaborate iron hardware. The wood has a deep reddish-brown patina, contrasting with the dark metal fittings.

The upper section consists of closely spaced vertical latticework, reinforced with iron strips on the reverse. Shaped metal mounts embellish the frame and cross rails, with raised characters 南 and 部 on the upper and middle rails, together reading 南部 (Nanbu), meaning ‘Southern part’.

The solid lower panel carries a large circular iron lock plate adorned with chrysanthemum appliqués 菊 (kiku), two medallions depicting guardian lions 獅子 (shishi), and a small manufacturer’s plaque. A rotary fitting forms part of the mechanical alarm-lock assembly, whose exposed gears, spring and bell remain visible on the reverse.

The plaque bears the mark of Nihon Seijô Co., Ltd. 日本製錠株式會社 of Takaoka and Patent No. 18722, granted in 1910 for an improved version of the alarm lock originally invented by the Takaoka craftsman Futagami Sotojirô 二上外次郎.

Such lattice doors provided ventilation while securing a traditional storehouse 蔵 (kura), where valuables and household possessions were kept. They were used behind a heavier plastered outer door, which could be closed and sealed against fire.

An impressive piece in its own right, the door also offers an interesting opportunity for conversion into a distinctive table, with a supporting frame beneath and a protective glass top. Please see the example photograph generated by AI for inspiration.

Period: Japan – Circa 1910, Late Meiji period
Dimensions:
Height 192 cm, Width 108.5 cm, Depth 7 cm.

In very good condition with signs of age and use with small restorations, including some surface wear, and oxidation to the metal fittings. The original alarm mechanism is present but not operable. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.

A certificate of authenticity will be included.

Please note: Due to its exceptional size, this piece is available for collection near Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Transport within the Netherlands and to Antwerp, Brussels, Paris and their surrounding areas may be arranged by prior agreement.

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 Translate

Details

Dynastic Style/Period
Circa 1910, Late Meiji period
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Material
Iron, Keyaki (zelkova) wood
Height
192 cm
Width
108.5 cm
Title of artwork
Storehouse door 蔵戸 (kurado) - very large
Depth
7 cm
Condition
Excellent condition
Authenticity
Original/official
The NetherlandsVerified
3692
Objects sold
100%
protop

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