Antique Japanese Kasane Tansu Kimono Chest

Exceptional two-section Japanese Kasane Tansu, crafted entirely from prized Kiri (Paulownia) wood and distinguished by an impressive array of original hand-forged iron hardware. Its elegant proportions, beautifully figured Kiri wood, and substantial iron fittings reflect the refined craftsmanship of late 19th-century Japanese tansu construction. The front features multiple deep drawers fitted with distinctive Mokko-style iron handles, decorative iron corner mounts, and elaborate horizontal hardware bands. Particularly noteworthy are the large circular lock plates incorporating what appears to be a Mokko family crest (Mokko-mon), a traditional Japanese kamon motif used by numerous Japanese families. The cabinet is further embellished with crane-form Atari, decorative backplates behind the drawer hardware, and striking open-fan corner mounts, creating a sophisticated contrast between the warm natural grain of the Kiri and the dark, hand-forged iron fittings. The varied surface of the antique ironwork adds considerable character and authenticity. Designed in the traditional Kasane Tansu format, the two sections stack securely to create a commanding yet highly functional storage cabinet. The exceptional combination of all-Kiri construction, original hand-forged iron hardware, distinctive crest, and finely executed decorative fittings makes this a particularly desirable example of Meiji-period Japanese furniture.