Commode "isho dansu", env.1930-40

Description

fronts: chestnut (“kuri”), interior: cedar (“sugi”), cast iron mounts and handles finished in blackened burned lacquer, front with four large and five small front drawers, transport handles

“Tansu” are traditional Japanese pieces of furniture made of lightweight woods, which were usually transportable, either carried on shoulder poles, with handles or rolled on built-in wooden wheels. In case of the ever-present danger of an earthquake or fire, the “tansu” and their valuable contents could be quickly rescued.

“Tansu” were used to store a wide variety of items, from tea utensils, medicinal herbs and kitchen utensils to account books and sword blades. “Isho dansu” were used to store the special expansive ceremonial clothing (“kimonos”).