This is an authentic antique 2 section Japanese merchant cabinet called Choba Tansu from late Meiji (1890-1900's). It was constructed from Cypress (Hinoki) and Cryptomeria (Suginoki) woods.
The Choba Tansu was used almost exclusively by merchants and was traditionally used in stores and shops to impress customers. These chests display elaborate metal hardware that is meant to make it look important and catch the eye of the customer as well as add functionality to its daily use.
Merchant chests were used by business owners for both function and marketing. For function, it served to store business papers, documents, valuables, books, stationery and sometimes calligraphy brushes, inkstone and inksticks. For marketing, it was displayed in a prominent part of the store so that customers would visually think that the business was established and successful to afford such a fancy and impressive form of furniture.
60"W x 16 1/2"D x 68 3/4"H
