Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A classic Japanese mobile storage chest (tansu) featuring a warm, reddish-brown lacquered finish over a softwood body, likely sugi (Japanese cedar) or kiri (paulownia). It is fitted with heavy, hand-forged iron hardware, including prominent central lock plates (mubyo-byoshi) and warabite-style drawer pulls.
Story
During the Meiji era, Japan rapidly modernized, but these chests remained vital family heirlooms. Designed with side handles, they were built to be quickly grabbed and carried out of a home in the event of a sudden fire.
Maker / Origin
These chests were crafted by specialized guilds of joiners (sashimono-shi) and blacksmiths who forged the custom iron hardware. Rather than a single famous maker, they represent a highly collaborative regional folk-craft tradition that flourished before mass industrialization.
Condition & Value
The chest shows beautiful, honest wear consistent with age, including minor surface scratches, scuffs, and oxidation on the iron hardware. There are no obvious signs of major structural damage or modern replacement hardware, which preserves its antique value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.