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Japanese Miniature Tansu Work or Sewing Chest (Haribako) Taisho Era Circa 1920

Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
Circa 1920 (Taisho period) this Japanese sewing work box is made of highly figured mulberry wood and of the most beautiful grain and fine quality workmanship; in un-restored and excellent all original condition ; most significantly; it has the ORIGINAL measuring device (ruler) included in the slot provided at the right top side. These boxes are rarely found with the ruler and in this original condition; 99% of the time the ruler is lacking, in fact, most casual collectors have no idea that it was supposed to have a ruler and question the purpose of the slot at the top.

This cabinet has a five drawer front configuration with a two drawer interior (under double hinged top lid); initially used to house sewing implements and materials for the minor repairing of household linens and clothing; probably more utilized today for the storage of jewelry, valuables, and/or personal effects----or simply to look nice on top of a chest of drawers. Note under the hinged top the "secret" compartment, arrived at by lifting out the visible fitted front drawer, exposing the rear drawer which you pull out by reaching into the center hole (see attached video with this listing--also note how drawers move in and out so smoothly; nice quality).

This box is well made, solidly built and has no repairs, and still maintains the completely untouched original superb looking surface (see images). The burl has a copious wonderful grain rendition and pleasing blonde/brown color. It is a challenge to find the measuring device which was obviously used to calculate lengths and an integral part of the integrity of a Haribako (sewing box); almost always missing. The Shaku ruler; attached, calculates 30.3 cm to nearly a foot. It fell out of favor after World War II, and was officially banned on March 1st, 1966 in lieu of the metric system. This may contribute to the rarity of finding a Tansu work chest with the original ruler.

Dimensions: 7 1/2" deep x 12" wide x 10" high

Provenance: Recently acquired from a high quality San Francisco estate.

More Information

Origin:	Japan
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Elm,Hand-Crafted
Condition:	Good.
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Asian
Incollect Reference #:	738548

Dimensions

W.	12 in;	H.	10 in;	D.	7.5 in;
W.	30.48 cm;	H.	25.4 cm;	D.	19.05 cm;

Message from Seller:

We are specialists in the field of antique mechanical coin banks. These rare and unique items were sold during the late 1800's and early 1900's to encourage and educate young children on the importance of saving money, with the majority of them having been made in America. We are leading experts in this field and one of the foremost dealers, having traded in mechanical banks since 1976.