{"product_id":"export-isho-dansu-sakat","title":"Export Isho Dansu from Sakata - Late 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis finely crafted \u003cem\u003ekasane isho dansu\u003c\/em\u003e (stacking clothing chest) originates from \u003cstrong\u003eSakata\u003c\/strong\u003e, a prosperous port town in northern Japan known for its merchant wealth and distinctive cabinetry traditions. Made in the late 19th century from richly grained \u003cstrong\u003ekeyaki\u003c\/strong\u003e (Japanese zelkova, 榉木), it shows dramatic swirling patterns across the drawer fronts. The bold iron mounts, including layered chrysanthemum lock plates and protective corner fittings, exemplify Meiji-period metalworking. In Japanese symbolism, the chrysanthemum represents longevity, renewal, and the Imperial household.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat distinguishes this chest is its \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal, purpose-made stand\u003c\/strong\u003e. Traditional tansu sat directly on tatami flooring and did not include stands. The presence of one here, crafted from the same keyaki with complementary ironwork, strongly suggests that this piece was made for export during the late Meiji period. A closely related example of iron decoration appears in \u003cstrong\u003eFigure 155 of \u003cem\u003eTraditional Japanese Cabinetry: Tansu\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e by Ty and Kiyoko Heineken, reinforcing the northern workshop attribution. The chest also carries notable provenance, having come from \u003cstrong\u003eHiroshi Yanagi Oriental Art, Kyoto\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture, northern Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 19th century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keyaki (Japanese zelkova, 榉木) with hand forged iron hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eForm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two-part \u003cem\u003ekasane isho dansu\u003c\/em\u003e stacking clothing chest with original matching stand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDetails:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chrysanthemum lock plates; protective corner fittings; expressive keyaki grain; original iron handles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Originally purchased from Hiroshi Yanagi Oriental Art, Kyoto and then via the UK art market\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comparable ironwork illustrated in Figure 155, \u003cem\u003eTraditional Japanese Cabinetry: Tansu\u003c\/em\u003e, Ty \u0026amp; Kiyoko Heineken\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent antique condition with age-related patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Width 99 × Depth 44 × Height 99.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rare late-Meiji keyaki \u003cem\u003ekasane isho dansu\u003c\/em\u003e with its original stand, likely crafted for the export market, enriched with refined ironwork and supported by excellent provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BinderKing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53550993506613,"sku":"M1043","price":2635.11,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/5243\/2181\/files\/M1043Lifestyle.jpg?v=1789232735","url":"https:\/\/binderking.shop\/products\/export-isho-dansu-sakat","provider":"BinderKing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}