Merchants chest "choba dansu", Meiji period, late 19th century
Japan
sold
EUR 4,000
Size
H: 86 cm
B: 169 cm
T: 43 cm
H: 33.9 inch
B: 66.5 inch
T: 16.9 inch
Description
elm/ zelkova “keyaki”, cast iron mounts and handles, finish in blackened burned lacquer, with three front drawers and compartment with sliding door
“Choba dansu” were used by “chonin” (merchants) on the “choba” (raised platform area of the shop) to store “daifukucho” (account books) and related business materials. They often have hidden safety boxes where valuable documents and treasures were stored.