Takayama ishô’dansu 衣装箪笥 (clothing chest)

A striking lacquered wooden Takayama ishô’dansu 衣装箪笥 (clothing chest) in a single section. Fully restored, cleaned and waxed.

The cabinet is primarily constructed from sugi 杉 (Japanese cedar), with keyaki 欅 (Japanese zelkova) used for the more prominent front elements. Finished in a warm reddish-orange Shunkei lacquer 春慶塗 (Shunkei-nuri). This type of lacquer begins as a yellow-orange tone and gradually matures into a richer red-orange hue over time, while allowing the natural grain of the wood to remain visible.

The front is arranged with four distinctive panel-type drawers, a pair of sliding doors fitted with black lacquered latticework, a hinged cupboard door opening to reveal three additional drawers, and two full-width drawers below. The latter are fitted with iron fern-shaped bail handles 蕨手 (warabite).

The raised panel-style drawer fronts are a characteristic feature associated with cabinetry from Takayama 高山 in Gifu Prefecture 岐阜県, an area well known for its traditional woodworking and Shunkei lacquerware.

Period: Japan – Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions:
Height: 81.9 cm, Width: 79.2 cm, Depth: 35.7 cm

In very good restored condition with some traces of wear consistent with age and use. No keys are included. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.

When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.