Merchants chest "choba dansu", Meiji period, late 19th century
Click here to view a larger version of the imageLot: 13
93rd Tribal Art AuctionMerchants chest "choba dansu", Meiji period, late 19th century
Japan
Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
---|---|---|
H: 33.9 inch; B: 66.5 inch; T: 16.9 inch |
sold |
elm/ zelkova "keyaki", cast iron mounts and handles, finish in blackened burned lacquer, with three front drawers and compartment with sliding door
"Choba dansu" were used by "chonin" (merchants) on the "choba" (raised platform area of the shop) to store "daifukucho" (account books) and related business materials. They often have hidden safety boxes where valuable documents and treasures were stored.