Tansu; Japan, Meiji period, c. 1880.

Tansu; Japan, Meiji period, c. 1880.
Wood with "Yosegi Zaiku" marquetry. Brass hardware and handles.
One wood is missing in the upper exterior area.
Measurements: 30,5 x 33 x 24 cm.
Meiji era Tansu made of wood characterized by its marquetry decoration and metal fittings. Yosegi-zaiku is a type of traditional Japanese marquetry that originated at the end of the Edo period.
Tansu are traditional Japanese cabinets, usually made of wood, used to store objects. They are mobile furniture that were commonly used to store clothes, especially kimonos, although there are also types such as sewing boxes (oharibako) or those used to classify objects. These objects, made of wood and often with intricate details of mother-of-pearl or metal in this particular case of marquetry, are characterized by having several compartments and secret drawers.