Seven step kaidan tansu stepchest
Price: € 5.200,00
An exceptional large seven-step kaidan’dansu 階段箪笥 (step chest), constructed in two sections. Fully restored, cleaned, and waxed.
Crafted from indigenous hinoki 檜 (Japanese cypress) with sugi 杉 (Japanese cedar) panels, finished in a deep dark brown lacquer that has developed an attractive aged patina.
The upper section is configured with a drawer, a removable panel, and a hinged cupboard door fitted with a concealed sliding lock. One of the horizontal crossbars can be moved to secure the door, a clever traditional feature.
The lower section is fitted with four drawers of varying sizes and a pair of sliding doors with horizontal slats. Behind the doors is a spacious storage compartment containing three additional drawers. All drawers run smoothly and are fitted with elegant iron hirute-shaped 蛭手 bail handles with matching escutcheons.
Kaidan’dansu were custom-made to suit the layout of individual townhouses during the Edo and Meiji periods. As a result, no two examples are exactly alike, making each surviving piece unique.
Period: Japan – 19th century (Late Edo period / Early Meiji period).
Dimensions:
• Total, including railing:
Height 249.5 cm, Width 167 cm, Depth 79.1 cm.
• Upper section:
Height 147.3 cm, Width 71 cm.
• Lower section:
Height 102.2 cm, Width 167 cm.
The step chest is in very good restored condition, with expected traces of wear consistent with age and use. Please refer to the photographs for a clear condition reference.
When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.
