Collections: Asian Art: Kuruma-Dansu (Chest of Drawers)

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Kuruma-Dansu (Chest of Drawers)

Japanese merchants considered the easily moveable kuruma dansu, which kept valuables and merchandise in order the storehouse, an essential possession. The chests were often included as part of a daughter's dowry. The kuruma dansu displayed here, crafted in Yamagata Prefecture, is of exceptionally high quality. The frame and door panels are zelkova wood, the finest wood used in Japanese furniture construction. The entire chest is finished in a kijiri lacquer to accentuate the wood's naturally elegant grain.

• Medium: Zelkova (keyaki) and cryptomeria (sugi) wood with iron fittings
• Possible Place Made: Yonezawa, Yamagata prefecture, Japan
• Dates: late 19th-early 20th century
• Period: Meiji Period
• Dimensions: 37 1/8 x 44 1/8 x 21 3/8 in. (94.3 x 112.1 x 54.3 cm)
• Collections: Asian Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Asian Galleries, The Arts of Japan, 2nd Floor
• Accession Number: 75.126
• Credit Line: Designated Purchase Fund
• Image: Overall, 75.126_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Kuruma-Dansu (Chest of Drawers), late 19th-early 20th century. Zelkova (keyaki) and cryptomeria (sugi) wood with iron fittings, 37 1/8 x 44 1/8 x 21 3/8 in. (94.3 x 112.1 x 54.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Designated Purchase Fund, 75.126 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 75.126_SL1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Large wood chest on four on four wood wheels. Enclosed on three sides with two sliding door panels on the front. Top surface consists of several panels. Decoration consists of horizontal wood slats applied to surface of all four sides, and door panels. Iron joint fittings and lock are made in Yonezawa/Yamagata style. Condition: very good. Small surface scratches and wear on top. Part of all of wood door panels may be replacements.