Rare Edo-Period Sado Tansu Chest: A Masterpiece of Keyaki Wood Craftsmanship and Historical Utility

At first glance, this Sado tansu chest might appear small, but it holds surprising dimensions and an impressive weight. Its compact yet solid structure reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of the Edo period, combining practicality with timeless beauty. The striking grain of the keyaki (Japanese zelkova) wood and the intricate iron fittings immediately capture the eye, while its sturdy construction speaks to its original purpose as a secure storage piece for valuables.

Front view of the Edo-period Sado tansu chest, showcasing its intricate design and iron fittings.

Dimensions of the Tansu Chest:

• Width: 58 cm / 22.83 in (61 cm / 24.02 in including the side handles)
• Height: 41 cm / 16.14 in
• Depth: 41 cm / 16.14 in
• Weight: About 30 kg / Around 66 lbs

Key Features at a Glance:

1. Material: Keyaki wood (Japanese zelkova), prized for its durability and beautiful grain patterns.
2. Fittings: Ornate ironwork, combining aesthetic charm with secure functionality.
3. Locking System: Central sliding latch, side manual latches, and a hinged panel for secure and easy access.
4. Design: Compact yet heavy, with a removable front panel concealing multiple hidden drawers.
5. Purpose: Designed as a safe for securing important documents, money, and other valuables.
6. Era: Late Edo period, reflecting the practical and artistic sensibilities of that time.

Front panel removed to reveal the inner drawers, showcasing the unique locking system of the Sado tansu chest.

The front panel of this Sado tansu chest is designed to be completely removable, offering both security and ease of use. It is locked in place by a central main lock located at the top, which secures the entire panel firmly.

Detailed view of the sliding latches on the front panel of the Sado tansu chest, showcasing the secure and functional locking mechanisms.

Additionally, on each side of the chest, there are two manual locks that require a simple mechanical manipulation to release. This ingenious locking system ensured that valuables stored inside the tansu were well-protected, while also allowing the owner convenient access to the concealed drawers when needed. The combination of the central lock and side mechanisms highlights the exceptional craftsmanship and functional design of Edo-period furniture.

Close-up of the hinged panel with a sliding latch system, allowing the door to open and close like a window for convenient access.

While the left panel is removable, the right panel is attached with a hinge, allowing it to open and close like a window. This clever design provides easy access to the smaller drawers on the right side of the chest without requiring the entire panel to be removed. The combination of a removable panel and a hinged one demonstrates the innovative thinking and practicality behind Edo-period tansu craftsmanship, making this chest both functional and uniquely charming.

Comparison of the outside and inside copper handles of the Sado tansu chest. The exposed handles have developed a rich patina over centuries, while the protected handles remain pristine due to their panel covering.

This photo highlights the fascinating difference between the copper handles on the outside and inside of the Sado tansu chest. The outside handles, exposed to the elements, have developed a beautiful, aged patina—a testament to the passage of time and the quality of the materials used. In contrast, the inner handles, protected by their panel, retain their original, untouched appearance. This subtle detail showcases how the chest was both functional and thoughtfully designed, preserving certain elements from wear while allowing others to age gracefully.

This difference is also visible on the wood itself, where the inner drawers have a glossier finish, while the outside surfaces of the tansu, exposed to time, have developed a beautiful patina that naturally darkens their appearance.

Side views of the Sado tansu chest, featuring sturdy construction, iron oval handles, and aged patina on the wood.

Close-up of the dual-functional iron handle on the Sado tansu chest, designed for both lifting and sliding, showcasing Edo-period craftsmanship.

This close-up photo highlights the unique iron handle on the side of the Sado tansu chest. What makes this handle particularly interesting is its dual functionality. The oval iron loop is designed for lifting and carrying the chest, while the rectangular slot below serves as a grip for sliding the tansu when lifting isn’t practical.

This clever design demonstrates the thoughtful craftsmanship of the Edo period, where every detail of the chest was optimized for both practicality and durability. The handle's sturdy iron construction ensures it could withstand the rigors of frequent use, whether it was being carried or repositioned within a home. Additionally, the side handles are crafted from kurogaki wood (black persimmon), a rare and luxurious material renowned for its deep, dark tones and durability. 

Interior view of the Sado tansu chest, revealing the compartments and structure without the drawers.

This photo shows the Sado tansu chest with all the drawers removed, offering a glimpse into its internal structure. The compartments are carefully arranged to maximize storage efficiency, reflecting the practical needs of the Edo period.

The main compartments provide ample space for larger items, while the smaller side compartments are perfect for organizing smaller valuables. The iron reinforcements along the edges ensure the durability of the chest, even with repeated use over centuries. This design not only highlights the functionality of the tansu but also its enduring craftsmanship, built to serve both aesthetic and practical purposes.

Left: Top view of the Sado tansu chest, highlighting the beautiful wood grain and iron reinforcements.
Right: Underside view, showing the construction and woodwork used for stability.

Detailed view of all the drawers from the Sado tansu chest, showcasing their varying sizes, designs, and craftsmanship.

This photo provides a closer look at the individual drawers of the Sado tansu chest, each carefully crafted to serve a specific purpose. The variation in sizes reflects the functional design, allowing for organized storage of both large and small items.

Comparison of the wood grain: A (tama-moku) on the front panels and B on the top surface of the tansu chest, both crafted from keyaki wood.

This final comparison underscores the remarkable attention to detail and luxury materials used in the Sado tansu chest. Both the front panels (A) and the top surface (B) are crafted from keyaki wood, a material that has always been highly valued for its beauty and durability.

However, the front panels feature the exceptionally rare and expensive tama-moku (eye-shaped burl grain), a pattern that occurs only in a very limited portion of the keyaki tree. Its intricate, swirling design was reserved for the most prestigious pieces due to its scarcity and cost. In contrast, the wood grain on the top surface, while still beautiful, represents a more common pattern found in keyaki wood.

Additionally, the side handles are made from kurogaki wood (black persimmon), another luxurious and expensive material. This combination of rare materials and exquisite craftsmanship suggests that this tansu was likely commissioned by a high-ranking samurai, such as a daimyo, during the Edo period. It serves as a tangible reminder of the artistry and status associated with such historical treasures.