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Isho tansu

These Isho Tansu (Drawer Chests) were used to store clothing and kimonos in 20th century Japan.

The larger tansu (Isho Kasane Tansu) are composed of 2 pieces stacked on top of each other. They were created for ease of movement to accommodate the constantly changing functions of a Japanese room.

Their modular quality creates for some very flexible design options today. They can be placed back to back to act as a coffee table with storage on each side, and they can be separated to act as a pair of side tables.

Like all tansu, the focus is on craftsmanship and natural materials - in this case detailed hand-forged hardware atop fine Kiri wood.

Click an image below for a closer look at each of our isho tansu

The Evolution of Isho Tansu

Isho Tansu came in two distinct forms, the smaller single chest (Isho Yaro Dansu), and the larger stacking chest (Isho Kasane Tansu).

Isho Yaro Dansu (literally man's clothing chest) were generally used to store clothing and kimonos for the man of the house. Isho Kasane Tansu (stacking clothing chest) were the most common wedding gifts in Japan, as they gave separate chests for the bride and groom and represented their bond.

Generally crafted from Kiri wood, the real variation in Isho Tansu comes in the form of layout and hardware. The layout of most Isho Tansu speaks of it's age. Earlier Meiji-era tansu had multiple drawers and doors, which then evolved into the classic 3 full length drawer with bottom 3/4 length drawer and safe. The final evolution which took place in the early 1900s was the full 4 full length drawer layout.

The hardware speaks of the region the tansu originated. There were many distinct iron-working styles - the most common clean styles came from Omi and Kanto regions, while more detailed designs were created by iron workers all over the country. More elaborate hardware was an indication of status, and the most intricate chests were kept out of the sight of the public as merchants had to obey certain class restrictions.

 
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Greentea Design - Your online source for contemporary Japanese furniture, Asian furniture, and antique Oriental furniture.
388 Carlaw ave, Suite 200, Toronto, ON, Canada M4M 2T4      view sitemap