{"product_id":"m147","title":"Japanese Ryobirake Kasane Dansu- Meiji Period From Kanto","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fine \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese \u003cem\u003eRyobirake Kasane Dansu\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e from the \u003cstrong\u003eMeiji period (1868–1912)\u003c\/strong\u003e, crafted in the \u003cstrong\u003eKantō region\u003c\/strong\u003e. This traditional stacking chest exemplifies the restrained elegance and practical design of Japanese domestic cabinetry, combining utility with carefully balanced proportions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eKasane Dansu\u003c\/em\u003e form separates into \u003cstrong\u003etwo sections\u003c\/strong\u003e for ease of transport and use — a characteristic feature of chests made for urban homes. The upper cabinet features \u003cstrong\u003edouble doors\u003c\/strong\u003e opening to reveal \u003cstrong\u003etwo broad drawers\u003c\/strong\u003e, while the lower section contains \u003cstrong\u003etwo large drawers\u003c\/strong\u003e and a \u003cstrong\u003ecash box compartment\u003c\/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong\u003ethree small drawers\u003c\/strong\u003e, one concealing a \u003cstrong\u003ehidden compartment\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chest reflects the collaborative craft typical of its period — the work of the \u003cstrong\u003ecarpenter\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eironworker\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003elacquerer\u003c\/strong\u003e. The body is constructed from \u003cstrong\u003ecryptomeria (Japanese cedar)\u003c\/strong\u003e, while the drawers and doors are made from \u003cstrong\u003ekiri (paulownia)\u003c\/strong\u003e, valued for its lightness and natural insect resistance. The \u003cstrong\u003eforged iron fittings\u003c\/strong\u003e include hand-riveted corner plates and a prominent \u003cstrong\u003ecircular lock plate\u003c\/strong\u003e featuring a \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003emokko-gata\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e (quatrefoil) floral medallion — a stylised motif associated with \u003cstrong\u003eprotection, good fortune, and prosperity\u003c\/strong\u003e. Though sometimes mistaken for a family crest (\u003cem\u003emon\u003c\/em\u003e), this form was a decorative emblem popular among merchant chests of the Meiji era, its lobed symmetry recalling both the \u003cstrong\u003ecucumber blossom\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003ekyūri no hana\u003c\/em\u003e) and the \u003cstrong\u003emelon form\u003c\/strong\u003e, each auspicious symbols of \u003cstrong\u003efertility, renewal, and the turning of the seasons\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce finished in dark lacquer, the surface has mellowed to a warm, rich patina that enhances the natural cedar grain. A well-made and authentic example of \u003cstrong\u003eMeiji-period Kanto cabinetry\u003c\/strong\u003e, it represents the quiet refinement of everyday Japanese craftsmanship in the late 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kanto region, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Meiji Period (1868–1912)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cryptomeria carcass with kiri (paulownia) drawers and doors; forged iron fittings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two-part stacking design, four large drawers, two smaller drawers, secret compartment, circular lock plate with \u003cem\u003emokko-gata\u003c\/em\u003e floral medallion, carrying handles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good antique condition with age-appropriate wear; small drawers in the lower section replaced in keeping with the original design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e W96 × D43 × H103 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eComparable Meiji-period examples can be found in museum and private collections, illustrating the refined yet practical aesthetic of urban cabinetry in late 19th-century Japan.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"BinderKing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53551170978101,"sku":"M1020","price":1618.05,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/5243\/2181\/files\/Japanese_Ryobirake_Kasane_Dansu_Taisho_Period_From_Kanto_Region_M1020.jpg?v=1789233177","url":"https:\/\/binderking.shop\/products\/m147","provider":"BinderKing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}