{"product_id":"antique-japanese-sendai-isho-dansu","title":"Isho Dansu from Sendai, Japan - 19thC (Meiji)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis exceptional \u003cstrong\u003eIsho Dansu (衣装箪笥)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a fine example of \u003cstrong\u003eSendai tansu\u003c\/strong\u003e from northern Japan, dating to the \u003cstrong\u003eEarly Meiji period (circa 1868–1890)\u003c\/strong\u003e. Produced in Miyagi Prefecture during a period of transition and refinement in Japanese furniture making, it reflects the regional preference for strong architectural form softened by expressive ironwork. The warm depth of the timber is enhanced by traces of vermilion \u003cem\u003ekijirō urushi\u003c\/em\u003e (朱色木地呂漆), a translucent lacquer finish that allows the natural grain to glow beneath a gently mellowed red surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSendai tansu are particularly admired for metal fittings that favour \u003cstrong\u003efluid, organic movement\u003c\/strong\u003e over rigid geometry. Here, the drawer pulls take the classic melon-vine form (\u003cem\u003emokko-gata\u003c\/em\u003e), while the surrounding iron plates are worked in flowing \u003cem\u003ekarakusa\u003c\/em\u003e (唐草) arabesques, incorporating chrysanthemum motifs commonly found on Sendai chests. The ironwork is entirely hand forged and confidently scaled, giving the chest both visual strength and clear regional identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chest is constructed primarily from \u003cstrong\u003esugi 杉\u003c\/strong\u003e (Japanese cryptomeria cedar), valued for its stability and lightness, with drawer fronts in \u003cstrong\u003ekeyaki 欅\u003c\/strong\u003e (Japanese zelkova), a hardwood prized for durability and expressive grain. The internal arrangement comprises nine drawers in total, with six full-width drawers across the façade and three smaller drawers concealed behind a hinged door to the right-hand side. Iron carrying handles mounted to the sides reflect its original function as a portable clothing chest within the Japanese home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early Meiji Period, late 19th century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sugi 杉 (Japanese cryptomeria cedar), keyaki 欅 (Japanese zelkova), hand-forged iron\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vermilion \u003cem\u003ekijirō urushi\u003c\/em\u003e (translucent lacquer)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConfiguration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Six full-width drawers with three concealed drawers behind a hinged door\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIronwork:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eMokko-gata\u003c\/em\u003e drawer pulls with \u003cem\u003ekarakusa\u003c\/em\u003e arabesques incorporating chrysanthemum motifs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good antique condition with age-related wear and patina. Restored in our UK workshops using traditional techniques.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Width 117 × Depth 44 × Height 87.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA strong and authentic example of \u003cstrong\u003eMeiji period Sendai tansu\u003c\/strong\u003e, combining refined materials, expressive ironwork, and a beautifully aged lacquered surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eReferences:\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee a similar Sendai tansu example illustrated on page 182 of \u003cem\u003eJapanese Tansu: The Art \u0026amp; Craft of Tansu\u003c\/em\u003e by David Jackson and Dane Owen. This publication also provides further contextual reading on regional ironwork and Meiji-period Sendai tansu.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BinderKing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53551115305269,"sku":"M1044","price":2265.27,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/5243\/2181\/files\/19th_Century_meiji_Period_Japanese_Isho_Dansu_From_Sendai_With_Nine_Drawers_And_Distinctive_Hand_Forged_Ironwork_M1044.jpg?v=1789233128","url":"https:\/\/binderking.shop\/products\/antique-japanese-sendai-isho-dansu","provider":"BinderKing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}