{"product_id":"japanese-black-lacquer-bo-dansu-ironwork","title":"Japanese Black Lacquer Shōnai Bo Dansu - 1904, Meiji Period","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese isho bo-dansu (clothing chest with a bo locking bar)\u003c\/strong\u003e dates to the \u003cstrong\u003elate Meiji period,1904 (Meiji 37)\u003c\/strong\u003e, and was crafted in \u003cstrong\u003eSakata, Yamagata Prefecture, within the Shōnai plain\u003c\/strong\u003e, a region celebrated for producing some of Japan's finest lacquered tansu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConstructed entirely from \u003cstrong\u003ekiri (Paulownia tomentosa)\u003c\/strong\u003e and finished in a rich black lacquer with contrasting natural timber sides and interior, the chest exemplifies the restrained elegance and robust craftsmanship for which Shōnai furniture is renowned. The central bo bears the \u003cstrong\u003eMaru ni Kikyō Family Mon\u003c\/strong\u003e (a bellflower \/ \u003cem\u003ekikyō\u003c\/em\u003e) enclosed within a solid circular border (maru). This crest was used by branches of the Akechi and Tachibana clans and became a favoured design amongst samurai families.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior of one concealed drawer retains original handwritten Japanese ink inscriptions. These include \u003cem\u003eKasai Kinen\u003c\/em\u003e (火災記念), translating as \"\u003cstrong\u003eFire Disaster Commemoration\u003c\/strong\u003e\", together with the traditional date inscription \u003cem\u003eKōshin Kugatsu Kichijitsu\u003c\/em\u003e (甲辰九月吉日), meaning \"\u003cstrong\u003eAn auspicious day in the ninth month of the Kōshin year\u003c\/strong\u003e\". In the context of this late Meiji Sakata chest, the date corresponds to \u003cstrong\u003e1904 (37th year of Meiji)\u003c\/strong\u003e. Another inscription appears to read \u003cem\u003eKyōto Shimakō\u003c\/em\u003e (京都島光), likely referring to a Kyoto merchant house, business, or owner associated with the chest, rather than its place of manufacture. Together, these inscriptions provide a fascinating insight into the chest's working life and provenance, suggesting a connection with a fire-related commemoration while preserving the identity of a historical owner or merchant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned as a secure clothing chest for the storage and transport of garments and valuable possessions, the tansu features three full-width drawers above a lockbox concealing two additional drawers. Heavy hand-forged iron fittings reinforce the corners and edges, while decorative repoussé lock plates and the original removable locking bar demonstrate the exceptional quality of Sakata metalwork. Folding iron carrying handles to the sides allowed the chest to be transported, reflecting its original function as both secure storage and a travelling strongbox.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShōnai tansu from Sakata are particularly sought after for their deep burgundy-black lacquer finishes, finely forged ironwork and practical yet refined design. Today they make striking statement pieces, equally suited as collectors' furniture or functional storage in contemporary interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late Meiji Period, circa 1904 (Meiji 37)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kiri (Paulownia tomentosa), Black Lacquer, Hand-Forged Iron\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good antique condition with age-related wear, patination and minor surface marks consistent with age and use. Original lacquer and ironwork with excellent character throughout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e W89 x D44 x H97 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReferences:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a near identical example, see page 189 of \u003cem\u003eJapanese Cabinetry: The Art \u0026amp; Craft of Tansu\u003c\/em\u003e by David Jackson \u0026amp; Dane Owen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor further reading on Japanese tansu and regional cabinetmaking traditions, see \u003cem\u003eTansu: Traditional Japanese Cabinetry\u003c\/em\u003e by Ty and Kiyoko Heineken with Charles Tuttle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BinderKing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53551118680373,"sku":"M1114","price":1772.15,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/5243\/2181\/files\/M1114-square.jpg?v=1789233140","url":"https:\/\/binderking.shop\/products\/japanese-black-lacquer-bo-dansu-ironwork","provider":"BinderKing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}