No. 98538238

Ishô'dansu 衣装箪笥 (cabinet of drawers) - Keyaki (Zelkova) wood, Sugi (cedar) wood, Iron, Bronze - Japan - Early Meiji period (Second half 19th century)
No. 98538238

Ishô'dansu 衣装箪笥 (cabinet of drawers) - Keyaki (Zelkova) wood, Sugi (cedar) wood, Iron, Bronze - Japan - Early Meiji period (Second half 19th century)
A fantastic wide two-section wooden Nihonmatsu 二本松 ishô’dansu 衣装箪笥 (cabinet of drawers) with intricately decorated lock plates. Fully restored, cleaned, and waxed.
The drawer fronts are crafted from high-quality keyaki 欅 (zelkova) wood, and the sides are made from indigenous sugi 杉 (cedar) wood. The entire cabinet is finished in a dark red Shunkei-style 春慶 lacquer that accentuates the natural wood grain and imparts a warm, refined glow.
The upper section features two spacious full-width drawers, while the lower section comprises two drawers of varying sizes and an iron-clad hinged door that opens to reveal two smaller interior drawers.
The cabinet is richly adorned with large circular lock plates featuring a pair of raised kiku 菊 (chrysanthemum)-shaped knobs. The lock plates are further embellished with appliqués depicting the auspicious pairing of a flying crane tsuru 鶴 soaring above a minogame 蓑亀, symbolising longevity and good fortune. The hardware is masterfully executed in iron and bronze.
Flanking the central plates are sturdy iron warabite-shaped 蕨手 bail handles set on elongated escutcheons decorated with a take 竹 (bamboo) motif, complemented by protective plates shaped like matsu 松 (pine) and ume 梅 (apricot) blossoms: together representing the classical theme of the Saikan Sanyû 歳寒三友 (Three Friends of Winter).
These distinctive cabinets originate from Nihonmatsu 二本松 in Fukushima Prefecture 福島県, a region celebrated for its large, solidly built tansu and elaborate decorative hardware.
Period: Japan – Early Meiji period (Second half 19th century)
Dimensions:
Height 120.5 cm (T 60 cm, B 60.5 cm); Width 114.9 cm; Depth 45.4 cm
The ishô’dansu is in a very good restored condition with some general traces consistent with age. The right back corner shows slight natural warping of the wood, a common and stable occurrence that does not affect functionality. No keys included. Please refer to the photos for a detailed condition reference.
When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.
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