This is an authentic antique Japanese merchant chest called Choba Tansu from early Meiji (1870's-1880's). It was constructed from Paulownia (Kirinoki) wood and the iron fittings were hand made.
It has a combination of double hinged doors and drawers for an abundance of storage space.
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.
This traditional Japanese furniture will be a great addition to any home decor.
27 1/2"W x 14 1/4"D x 28 3/4"H
