Yonezawa wooden ishô’dansu 衣装箪笥

Well-made Yonezawa wooden ishô’dansu 衣装箪笥 (cabinet of drawers) in two sections. Expertly restored, waxed, and carefully cleaned in Japan to achieve a superb condition. Resulting in a polished appearance, while preserving its aged appearance and character.

Made of high quality solid kuri wood (chestnut) and indigenous hinoki cypress wood finished with a translucent glossy lacquer in a warm deep red shade showing the fabulous natural wood grain.

The upper part constructed with a pair of large drawers, a small drawer and a hinged door heavily clad with decorative iron hardware. Opening to 2 more small drawers. The lower part with a pair of wide large drawers.
The smooth running drawers are equipped with large circular lock plates showcasing a design of a cherry blossom 桜 (sakura), heightened by chrysanthemum-shaped 菊 (kiku) knobs. Flanked by sturdy ‘mokkô’-shaped iron bail handles with decorative back-plates featuring a pine tree 松 (matsu) design.
The cabinet is very spacious and ideal for easy storage due to the many different type of compartments.

Each side is equipped with a “pole-carrying” handles: for easy transport and “locking” the upper section to the lower part.

Dimensions:
Height 98.4 cm, Width 109 cm, Depth 45.5 cm.
Period: Japan – Late Meiji period/ Taishô period (First quarter 20th century).

It is in a very good completely restored condition. Including three keys. They function in the old fashioned Japanese way, not very smooth. Please look at the photos for a condition reference.

These kind of cabinets originate from the castle town Yonezawa, which lies in the southeast corner of the Yamagata prefecture. The castle town of Yonezawa in the Tōhoku region developed a chest-on-chest style of tansu for clothing storage, strongly influenced by the refined lacquer finishing techniques of the Mikune area of the Japan Sea coast.

When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.