JEWELLERY, DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS AUCTION Tuesday, 2 November 2021 - 10:00 AM start

A rare kuruma dansu, wooden wheeled storage chest

Lot Details

chestnut frame and front, paulownia drawer lining and cedar panelling, it has a small secret locking compartment. Made in the Edo period, first half of the 19th century. Historical minor borer damage. 1090 x 560 x 940mm Once a status symbol of merchant families, these chests made to store household valuables were made with wheels so that they could be moved in case of disaster or fire. During the great Kanto earthquake in the early 19th century thousands of kuruma dansu were pulled into the streets of old Edo creating the first recorded traffic jam in history. For a brief time kuruma were banned in three cities (Edo, Osaka, Kyoto) within city limits. CONDITION REPORT: Very nicely made with traditional techniques. Characterful patina overall. Finished with a red-brown varnish/lacquer. Numerous small marks to surfaces commensurate with age (150+ years). Strengthening bindings and lock furniture of iron. The two sliding doors with a tilt and slot locking mechanism without the simple key that would secure closed. Inside the right hand cupboard, to the base right hand side a semi-concealed panel lifts to reveal another timber panel with lock (with the original key) that opens to reveal a small cavity (holds some odd writing seals/pen). Inside the left cupboard and to the inside left hand side a panel made from an odd piece of timber has been fixed to cover split in side. Similar odd timber pieces are affixed to the back for same reason.