Meiji Period Isho Dansu | Sugi and Kiri Wood, ca. 1910
This two-section Isho Dansu (clothing chest) dating to the Late Meiji Period, circa 1910, is a robust and authentic example of Northern Japanese furniture design, where durability and material strength were paramount.
Clever Material Composition: The chest employs a smart combination of woods: the outer Sugi (Japanese Cedar) carcass provides unmatched structural strength and features a bold, visible grain, while the drawer fronts are made from Kiri (Paulownia) wood for its superior protective properties. The natural clear finish allows the unique texture of the wood to dominate the aesthetic.
Functional Design: This stacking chest (Kasane Dansu) is reinforced with heavy, dark iron Kanagu. The drawers feature sturdy Warabite handles and large Mokko lock plates. For secure storage, a practical Koban (lock box) is integrated into the face, secured by pronounced geometric strapping.
