Funa-dansu

Funa-dansu, or ship’s chests, were portable tansu used by merchants doing business along the kitamae route (Osaka to Hokkaido via the Seto sea). The chests were used to store business documents, valuables, and anything else that might have needed safekeeping along the voyage. Only ship captains and ship owners possessed sea chests. While the outside of the chests were made of dense wood (almost always zelkova) for stability, the inside was usually something light, like paulownia, which performed better in humidity. This cho-bako example, collected by noted collector John Gruber and featured in Ty Heineken’s book “Tansu” from 1981, features extremely elaborate construction and detailing. To access the most secure compartment, eight separate steps and two separate keys are necessary. The Funa Dansu contains 28 unique components, including seven of the original keys, which have been individually stamped and correspond to matching stamps on the lock plates. The chest dates to the mid 19th century and is in excellent condition. Please note there are some missing nails on the exterior metal banding and one missing key. H. 19 x w. 24 3/4 x d. 16 inches.