Sado ishô’dansu 衣装箪笥（抽屉柜） - 鐵（鑄／鍛）, 梧桐木 - 日本 - 19世纪后半叶（明治早期）

A striking, very wide Sado wooden ishô’dansu 衣装箪笥 (cabinet of drawers) in two sections. Heavily clad with decorative iron hardware featuring rich designs, and a little secret. Fully restored, cleaned and waxed in Japan.

Crafted from solid indigenous kiri (paulownia) wood completely finished with a deep dark brown lacquer with a reddish undertone and great patina.

The upper part is configured with two full-width drawers, and the bottom with four drawers of different sizes and a hinged door. Opening to three more small drawers. Behind these drawers lies a concealed storage compartment. As illustrated in the photos, the small drawer on the right is slightly shorter. Behind it is the hidden storage space, accessible only by removing the left drawer since the opening extends all the way to the back on that side.

The large lock plates of the cabinet with rich decorative designs, cloud shaped with undulating sides, featuring precious pearl appliques and large raised knobs shaped like chrysanthemums (kiku). Paired with sturdy iron warabite-shaped bail handles set on en-suite decorative escutcheons.
Each side is equipped with a pair of warabite totte (transport handles) and a [-shaped ‘pole-carrying’-handle for easy transport and for ‘locking’ the upper part into place.

The ishô’dansu is in a very good restored condition with minimal traces conform age. Please see the photos for a condition reference.

Dimensions:
Height 115.3 cm (T 57.9 cm, B 57.4 cm), Width 115.2 cm, Depth 44.1 cm.
Period: Japan – Second half 19th century (Early Meiji period).

These kind of cabinets originate from the island Sado 佐渡, which lies in the Niigata Prefecture 新潟県. With cloud-shaped metal fittings typical of the Ogi region (south) of Sado Island.

When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.

Please note: Due to the holidays, shipping and handling times may be longer. Thank you for your understanding.