Apothecary cabinet 薬箪笥 (kusuri’dansu)

A superb lacquered wooden apothecary cabinet 薬箪笥 (kusuri’dansu) fitted with no fewer than 143 drawers. The cabinet is of a rare folding construction which, in combination with the lightweight materials used, allowed for easier transport despite its considerable size.

The cabinet and drawer fronts are crafted from indigenous kiri 桐 (paulownia) wood, valued for its light weight and durability. The exterior is finished in a striking negoro-nuri 根来塗 style lacquer in shades of brown and black with gold leaf accents, creating a pattern reminiscent of bamboo. The doors are adorned with a lock plate shaped as an ivy leaf 蔦 (tsuta).

The smaller drawers are fitted with gilt-metal pull knobs in the form of stylised flowers. Approximately two-thirds of the drawers still retain their original handwritten labels indicating their former medicinal contents.

Period:
Japan – 19th century (Late Edo period / Early Meiji period)
Dimensions:
Height 45.5 cm, Width 92 cm, Depth 13 cm

In very good, fully restored condition, with minor traces of wear consistent with age, including one replacement drawer pull of a later date. Please refer to the photographs for a clear condition reference.

Apothecary cabinets such as this were used by physicians, pharmacists, and sometimes teahouses to store medicinal ingredients and remedies. They are also known as hyakumi-dansu 百味箪笥 (“hundred-flavours chest”), referring to the many compartments used to organise traditional medicines, or hyakume-dansu 百目箪笥 (“hundred-eyes chest”), a poetic reference to the rows of drawer pulls resembling watchful eyes.

When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.