Original Japanese Tansu chest, Edo/Meiji period (circa 1850-1890) #39

Antique Japanese chest from the Edo-Meiji period (circa 1850-1890). Dimensions: Length: 108 cm Depth: 43 cm Height: 97 cm. Style: Meiji. Materials and techniques: Paulownia (Paulownia spp.) Place of origin: Japan. Era: Late Edo period, early Meiji period. Date of manufacture: Circa 1850-1890. Condition: Good. Wear corresponds to age and use. Exceptional original Japanese tansu chest from the late Edo period, a time prior to Japan's modernisation, during which furniture was entirely handmade and closely adapted to the specific needs of domestic life. The piece is made from paulownia wood (Paulownia spp.), particularly valued for its lightness, stability, and natural resistance to moisture, making it a preferred material for domestic storage. The interior of the drawers retains the characteristic light hue of kiri wood, while the facades and outer structure display a deep, natural patina, the result of decades of continuous use. The composition is remarkable for its richness and originality: four large front drawers are combined with an integrated side module. This asymmetrical arrangement adheres to a strictly functional logic, typical of Edo period tansu, while today giving the whole a strong sculptural presence. The wrought iron fittings, abundant and particularly thick, reinforce the corners, facades, and locking systems. Originally designed for structural and protective functions, they now constitute one of the most powerful aesthetic elements of the piece, highlighting its antiquity, robustness, and authenticity. It is in excellent condition, with the exception of the imperfections characteristic of any antique, due to the passage of time.